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Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

This Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer is a festive and delicious puff pastry treat, filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these golden, crispy pastry trees combine savory cheeses and spices inside a flaky crust, shaped cleverly to resemble Christmas trees. Easy to make and visually impressive, they add a charming touch to any party spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

Filling:

  • 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Other:

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) as per the puff pastry package instructions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the two puff pastry sheets separately. One sheet will be used as the bottom layer and the other as the top layer of your pastry tree.
  4. Assemble Layers: Spread the spinach and cheese filling generously and evenly over one sheet of puff pastry, making sure it reaches to the edges. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling. Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top, aligning the edges and corners.
  5. Even Out Thickness: Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the top pastry layer to ensure even thickness and seal the edges of the two sheets together.
  6. Cut Into Strips: With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into 1-inch wide strips lengthwise.
  7. Create Christmas Tree Shape: Take each strip and roll them from the wider base to the narrower top, shaping them into a Christmas tree form. For stability, insert a skewer or toothpick through the center of each roll to hold its shape.
  8. Apply Egg Wash: Place the shaped pastry trees onto the prepared baking sheet. Whisk the egg and lightly brush the tops of each tree with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry trees are golden, puffed, and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the spinach is well thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid soggy pastry.
  • Use a light dusting of flour when rolling the puff pastry to prevent sticking.
  • The skewer used to hold the tree shape should be removed before serving.
  • If puff pastry sheets stick together, let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before rolling.
  • These appetizers are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes if needed.

Keywords: Spinach appetizer, Cheese pastry, Holiday appetizer, Christmas appetizer, Puff pastry recipe, Festive appetizer

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/spinach-and-cheese-christmas-tree-appetizer-recipe/