Spinach And Artichoke Christmas Trees
Ho! Ho! Ho! The holiday season is here, and it’s time to bring out the festive cheer! If you’re on the lookout for a new and delightful appetizer to dazzle your friends and family, look no further.
These Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees are not only cute and yummy but also quick and easy to make. Perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Planning the Perfect Cocktail Party
Every year, I host a cocktail party for my girlfriends, and I’m always on the hunt for something fresh and exciting to serve. Well, ladies, look no further – this year’s showstopper is the Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees.
These little treats are not only adorable and in the holiday spirit but also hassle-free to make and serve.
Mounted on skewers, they’re not just delicious but also easy for guests to grab, adding a festive touch to my spread.
Now that we’ve set the stage for a festive celebration, let’s dive into the simple steps of crafting these delightful Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees that will surely elevate your holiday gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 Package Puff Pastry (Two sheets)
- 1 10 oz Chopped Frozen Spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
- 3/4 Cup Artichoke Hearts, Chopped (3/4 of the can)
- 6 oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella or Italian Blend Cheese
- 2 Heaping TB Parmesan or Romano Cheese, Grated
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 3 Cranks Fresh Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 2 TB All-Purpose Flour (for dusting the board)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Cut into small circles or stars)
Equipment
- 1 Parchment-lined Baking Sheet
- 15 Medium-Size Skewers
- 1 Small Star Cookie Cutter or Round Metal Tip (To make an ornament at the top of the tree)
- 1 Rolling Pin
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry
- Thaw the puff pastry and roll each sheet on a floured surface to create rectangles measuring 15 x 12.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Mixture
- Thaw the frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water, and chop the artichoke hearts.
- In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and fresh black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Assemble the Christmas Trees
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over one pastry rectangle.
- Place the second pastry sheet on top and seal the edges by pinching.
- Trim any excess pastry.
- Starting from the short end, cut the pastry into 15 one-inch strips.
- Create the tree shape by zigzagging the strips back and forth.
4. Finishing Touches
- Insert a skewer into each tree, allowing the tip to come out 1/2 inch.
- Top each tree with a red bell pepper circle or star.
- Reshape the trees if the skewer slightly flattens them.
5. Baking
- Place the assembled trees on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Optional: Freeze for Later
- For future use, quick freeze the trees on a baking sheet.
- Once partially frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before baking according to the original instructions.
Enjoy these festive Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees at your holiday gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your festive spread with these delightful Christmas Trees! Consider pairing them with:
- The Christmas Charcuterie Wreath: Elevate your appetizer game by combining these charming trees with a stunning charcuterie wreath.
- Mini-Stuffed Peppers: Add variety with these bite-sized delights. The combination of flavors will leave your guests wanting more.
- Cranberry Brie Bites: Embrace the holiday spirit with the perfect blend of sweet and savory in every bite.
- Shrimp Shooters: Bring a touch of sophistication to your spread with these elegant and flavorful shrimp shooters.
And don’t forget the drinks! Choose a festive cocktail that suits your guests’ tastes, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable holiday gathering. Cheers to a season filled with good company and delicious treats!
Enjoy!
Wishing you a marvelous holiday season filled with fun moments with friends and family!
I can’t wait to host my girlfriends and share the joy with these festive Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees. Here’s to the merriest season!
Spinach and Artichoke Christmas Trees
Equipment
- 1 Parchment lined baking sheet
- 15 Medium Size Skewers
- 1 Small Star Cookie Cutter or Round Metal Tip To make ornament at top of the tree
- 1 Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 1 Pkg Puff Pastry Two sheets
- 1 10 oz Chopped Frozen Spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
- 3/4 Cup Artichoke Hearts Chopped 3/4 of the can
- 6 Oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella or Italian Blend Cheese
- 2 Heaping TB Parmesan or Romano Cheese Grated
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 3 Cranks Fresh Black Pepper or to taste
- 2 TB AP Flour to dust board
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Cut in small circles or stars
Instructions
- Thaw pastry and roll each sheet on floured surface to 15 x 12 rectangles
- Thaw spinach in microwave and using hands squeeze out all the water
- Chop Artichoke hearts in small pieces and add this and spinach to cream cheese along with shredded cheese and seasonings. Mix well
- Spread cream cheese mixture all over one rectangle then top with the other reserved sheet and pinch at all the edges to seal
- Cut off any extra pastry and starting at the short end cut in 15 one inch strips
- Take a strip starting about two inches long and zig zag back and forth smaller each time to make the shape of a tree
- Insert skewer with the tip coming out 1/2 inch and top with red bell pepper ornament. Reshape if the skewer smushes the tree a bit.
- Bake on parchment lined sheet at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes
Made these for a Christmas party and they were delicious! I cut the recipe in half so only used 1 puff pastry.