Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers

If you’re looking for a fun and festive appetizer to brighten up your holiday gatherings, you’ve come to the right place! These Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers are not only adorable but also packed with flavor. They bring the classic taste of spinach artichoke dip to life in a creative way. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings with friends, these skewers will surely be a hit at your next holiday party.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to prepare while still impressing your guests. With simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dish that will light up any table and make everyone smile!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape adds a delightful touch to your holiday spread.
• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have these tasty treats ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors in each bite.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the trees in advance, so you can relax and enjoy your gathering.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of spinach, artichokes, and creamy cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers is a breeze! You’ll find that each item is simple and wholesome, making this recipe not only delicious but also approachable.

For the Filling:

• 1 (10-oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
• 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 c. canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

For the Pastry:

• All-purpose flour, for surface
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-oz. box), thawed according to package directions
• 12 skewers

For the Topping:

• 6 slices Provolone

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on your tastes or what’s available in your kitchen! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in finely chopped bell peppers or onions for an extra crunch.
• Herb It Up: Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like feta or cheddar based on what you love!
• Make It Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

How to Make Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when your skewers go in, they’ll puff up beautifully and turn golden brown!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the thawed spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and chopped artichokes. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Mixing all these ingredients together creates that classic spinach-artichoke dip flavor that everyone loves.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out both sheets of puff pastry into rectangles about 15 x 12 and 1/8 thick. Trimming if needed helps ensure even baking later on.

Step 4: Assemble Your Trees

Spread an even layer of the spinach mixture over one sheet of pastry. Place the second sheet on top, gently pressing down to seal them together. Cut out 12 strips (each about 1 thick) from this layered pastry.

Step 5: Shape Your Trees

Take one strip at a time and fold it back and forth in a zig-zag motion, creating a tree shape as you go along. This fun folding makes each skewer look like a mini Christmas tree! Once shaped, skewer from bottom to top while ensuring part of the skewer shows above the top layer.

Step 6: Bake Your Skewers

Arrange your skewers on prepared baking sheets and bake until golden brown—about 25 to 30 minutes. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter.

Step 7: Top with Stars

Slice two pieces of Provolone into stars using a small cookie cutter or paring knife. Carefully skewer these stars onto the tops of your trees for that final festive touch!

Now you’re all set to serve up these delightful Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers at your next gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers

These delightful skewers are sure to impress your holiday guests, and a few handy tips can make the process even smoother!

• Thaw the Spinach Properly: Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the thawed spinach. This prevents your filling from becoming soggy and helps maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese combines more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and creamy filling that spreads perfectly on your pastry.
• Cut Even Strips: When cutting your pastry into strips, aim for uniformity. This will help your trees cook evenly and look visually appealing once assembled.
• Zig-Zag Carefully: As you fold the dough in a zig-zag motion, take care to create layers that are well-defined. This will give each tree a fuller appearance and enhance their festive charm.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the skewers to cool slightly after baking helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Plus, it ensures that guests won’t burn their fingers when enjoying these tasty treats!

How to Serve Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers

Presentation can elevate any dish, especially during the holiday season! Here are some fun ideas for serving your Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers that will wow your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the skewers just before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Place a few halved cherry tomatoes around the skewers on your platter. Their bright red hue complements the green trees beautifully while adding a refreshing bite.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Veggie Platter: A mix of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with hummus or ranch dip is perfect for crunching between bites of savory skewers.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread makes a hearty side that pairs well with the creamy flavors of the spinach-artichoke filling. It’s great for soaking up any leftover dip!
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skewers.
• Holiday Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, oranges, and apples can add sweetness to balance out savory bites.

With these serving ideas and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to create an unforgettable holiday appetizer that’s not only delicious but also delightful in presentation! Enjoy spreading joy this season with your Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers are a fantastic option for meal prep! They can be assembled ahead of time, making your holiday gatherings a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or reheat as preferred.

Freezing

• If you want to make these skewers in advance, they freeze beautifully!
• Assemble the skewers and arrange them on a baking sheet without touching.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers.

Can I make Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these skewers and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment. Just follow the storage guidelines above.

What can I serve with Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers?

These festive skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like marinara, ranch, or even a refreshing yogurt-based dip. They also make a great addition to any party platter!

How long do Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these skewers will last up to 3 days. If frozen, they can be kept for up to 3 months.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted and then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into your filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers! They are sure to bring smiles to your holiday gatherings while being a fun twist on a classic appetizer. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy eating them—happy cooking!