This Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread combines the beloved flavors of spinach artichoke dip with warm, fluffy bread, creating an impressive and delicious centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Shaped like a festive Christmas tree and filled with gooey cheese, this pull-apart bread is easy to make and fun to share. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this bread will quickly become a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Spinach Artichoke Filling:
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Brushing and Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan, for sprinkling (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Spinach Artichoke Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Dough Balls: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 1.5-inch squares. Place about 1 teaspoon of spinach artichoke filling in the center of each square. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a small ball. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Shape the Christmas Tree: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the filled dough balls in a Christmas tree shape. Start with a single ball at the top, adding rows with one additional ball in each row until you reach the desired size. Use extra dough balls to form a “trunk” at the bottom if desired.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush generously over the dough balls, coating the entire “tree” shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then serve warm with extra filling or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Variations
- Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread: Add extra shredded mozzarella inside each dough ball for an extra cheesy filling.
- Pesto Swirl: Add a swirl of pesto to the spinach artichoke mixture for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
- Veggie Medley: Incorporate diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Cooking Note
If using homemade dough, let it come to room temperature before working with it. Cold dough is harder to shape and can shrink back after shaping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive pull-apart bread as part of a holiday appetizer spread with other seasonal favorites like cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms, or a warm soup. This bread pairs well with marinara or extra artichoke dip for dipping.
Tips
- Avoid Overfilling: Use a small amount of filling to make it easier to seal the dough balls without leaking.
- Room Temperature Dough: Let store-bought or homemade dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it more pliable.
- Use a Light Hand with Butter: Brush lightly with garlic butter—too much butter can make the bread soggy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 340mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used)
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filled dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, just sauté fresh spinach until wilted and chop finely before adding it to the filling.
What dipping sauces pair well with this bread?
Marinara, Alfredo, or extra spinach artichoke dip make great dipping sauces for this pull-apart bread.
Conclusion
Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is the perfect way to add a festive, delicious twist to your holiday table. This warm, cheesy, and garlicky bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it as fun to look at as it is to eat. With its creamy spinach and artichoke filling, it’s a holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this tasty tradition with family and friends for a holiday meal to remember!