Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
If you’re looking to add a delightful showstopper to your holiday table, this Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is exactly what you need. It’s a festive, cheesy, and vibrant bread recipe that comes together quickly and brings everyone together with its warm, savory flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy celebrations, this Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread not only tastes amazing but also looks charmingly seasonal, making your party spread unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Eye-Catching: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it instantly becomes the centerpiece of any holiday table.
- Quick and Easy: Simple prep time means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
- Deliciously Cheesy: Filled with creamy feta and spinach, each bite bursts with savory flavor.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a main snack during holiday parties.
- Great for All Skill Levels: Beginner or pro baker, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread uses simple, fresh ingredients that bring layers of taste, texture, and color to your festive table. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering a soft, savory, and slightly crispy bread with a satisfying flavor punch.
- Pizza Dough: Acts as the soft base that you shape into the iconic tree form.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and wholesome vegetable goodness.
- Feta Cheese: Provides the crumbly, tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey cheesiness and binds the filling together.
- Garlic: Infuses the bread with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the dough soft and adds a subtle richness.
- Egg Wash: Ensures the crust turns golden and inviting.
- Optional Herbs: Oregano or basil elevate the bread with fresh herbal notes.
Variations for Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread
Feel free to get creative and adapt the Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Swapping a few ingredients can easily give the recipe a personal twist without complicating the process.
- Cheese Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Boost: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free pizza dough brand to make it suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- Herb Variations: Try thyme or rosemary instead of oregano for a different aromatic touch.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and egg substitute for an entirely vegan-friendly bread.
How to Make Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by sautéing fresh spinach with minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until wilted and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large triangle shape that resembles a Christmas tree. Make sure it’s evenly rolled out to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread the spinach and cheesy mixture down the center of your triangle dough, leaving a border around the edges to seal later.
Step 4: Shape the Tree
Cut slits along both sides of the triangle, about an inch apart. Then, twist each strip over the filling to create the appearance of tree branches, gently covering the cheese and spinach.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the surface of your shaped bread with egg wash to help it turn a gorgeous golden-brown color during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Let Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing to keep the filling intact and make sharing easier.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality cheeses make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid too much filling which can ooze out and make the bread soggy.
- Even Twists: Twist the dough branches evenly for balanced baking and beautiful presentation.
- Preheat The Oven Well: A fully preheated oven ensures the bread puffs and crisps perfectly.
- Brush Twice: For extra shine, apply a second coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished bread with fresh parsley, a light drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add color and a little kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with warm soups, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the bread on a wooden board surrounded by cherry tomatoes and olives to mimic holiday ornaments, or serve with small bowls of marinara and tzatziki dips for added fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezing
Wrap the bread tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust and gooey cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water from frozen spinach to avoid soggy bread.
Is this bread suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The mild cheese and fun shape make it a kid-friendly holiday treat.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and adds an extra personal touch.
What if I don’t have egg for the wash?
You can brush the bread with olive oil or melted butter as a simple alternative.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
If edges brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking to protect them.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is a delightful recipe that combines festive fun with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a cozy snack, this bread is bound to become your go-to. Give it a try and watch your guests marvel at both the look and taste of this seasonal favorite!
Related Posts
- Irresistible Cheesy Sausage Bites to Try Tonight
- Why Louisiana Voodoo Fries Are a Must-Try Snack
- Easy Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni Recipe
Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread
This Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is a festive and visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a soft pizza dough base filled with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and melty mozzarella, this bread combines vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Shaped like a Christmas tree and baked to golden perfection with a shiny egg wash crust, it’s sure to be a centerpiece that delights both eyes and taste buds. Quick and easy to prepare, it suits all skill levels and offers versatile serving options for a cozy, cheesy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough softening)
Filling
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Optional herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (or fresh herbs to taste)
Finish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash; or substitute with olive oil or melted butter)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with the crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheeses, mixing well. Add herbs if desired.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree. Make sure the thickness is even for consistent baking.
- Add the Filling: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly down the center of the triangle, leaving about 1 inch border along the edges for sealing.
- Shape the Tree: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut slits about an inch apart along both sides of the dough triangle, parallel to the filling. Carefully twist each strip over the filling to create the appearance of tree branches, gently covering the cheese and spinach inside.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the entire surface of the shaped bread with beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny crust. For an egg-free option, brush with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
- Let Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the filling intact and makes it easier to share.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the bread to avoid sogginess.
- Ensure the dough twists are even for balanced baking and attractive presentation.
- Preheat the oven thoroughly before baking to achieve a crispy crust.
- For extra shine, brush a second coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
- If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last part of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the bread)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, spinach feta bread, holiday appetizer, festive bread, cheesy bread, Christmas tree recipe, savory bread
