There is nothing quite as festive and fun as making an Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe that brings both holiday cheer and delicious flavor to your table. This delightful puff pastry creation, layered with savory spinach and tangy feta, is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s surprisingly simple to make but looks impressively intricate, combining flaky, golden crust with a wholesome, cheesy filling that’s full of vibrant green spinach and rich, creamy feta. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a festive snack, this bread will quickly become a favorite tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a dish that bursts with flavor and festive charm. Each element plays an essential role, from the buttery crispness of puff pastry to the savory tang of feta and the fresh earthiness of spinach, creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): The golden, flaky base that makes this recipe effortless and visually stunning.
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture): Adds a vibrant green color and a nutritious, earthy taste.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a salty, creamy richness that complements the spinach beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for meltiness): Offers extra gooey texture and a mild flavor that enhances the filling.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden finish that’s irresistible.
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional): Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle spice to brighten the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste — feta is salty!): Use sparingly; feta often provides enough saltiness on its own.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish (optional): Adds an appealing crunch and festive detail to the crust.
How to Make Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Christmas tree bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a perfect crust on the bottom.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach—make sure to squeeze out all the excess moisture so your bread doesn’t get soggy—with crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella if you’re using it, minced garlic for a touch of fragrant warmth, black pepper for a hint of spice, and salt only if necessary. This filling is the heart of your bread, packed with creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that will shine through each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Shape the Tree
Place one thawed sheet of puff pastry on your lined baking sheet and lightly roll it out to even the surface. With a sharp knife, carefully cut out a large triangle—the shape of a Christmas tree—from the pastry. Don’t discard the trimmings because you’ll use them to create a charming star or patching pieces later.
Step 4: Spread the Filling and Add the Second Layer
Evenly spread your spinach feta mixture over the triangle. Then, place the second puff pastry sheet over the filling and cut it into the same tree shape. Press gently around the edges and throughout the filling to seal your layers together, making sure the filling stays inside during baking.
Step 5: Create the Christmas Tree Branches
On both sides of the triangle, cut horizontal slits around an inch apart, leaving the center intact to resemble the tree trunk. Twist each strip a few times to reveal the beautiful layers of filling, mimicking the branches of your festive tree.
Step 6: Add a Festive Touch with a Star
Use the leftover pastry trimmings to cut out a star shape. Place this star on top of the tree to really bring your bread to life with a festive accent that’s as charming as it is tasty.
Step 7: Finish with an Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg and brush it all over your tree’s surface for that irresistible golden shine. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired for extra crunch and festive flair. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can elevate the flavor and bring a fresh pop of green to match the festive theme. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few dabs of softened butter while still warm enhances the rich filling even more.
Side Dishes
This spinach feta bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp winter salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The bread’s savory notes and flaky texture are fantastic alongside lighter or tomato-based dishes that balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, place your bread centerpiece on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of olives, roasted nuts, and dips like tzatziki or hummus. You can even serve the bread “branches” wrapped individually with a small ribbon to make it fun and interactive for guests, perfect for holiday parties or family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
This bread also freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble the tree as directed, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen, simply adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked crispness, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry flaky and delicious rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked spinach?
Fresh spinach has a lot of moisture, so it’s best to cook and squeeze it dry to avoid excess water making your pastry soggy. Lightly sauté or steam before using.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute puff pastry with a vegan brand, use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of feta and mozzarella, and replace the egg wash with a plant milk or oil brush for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I prepare this bread in advance for holiday entertaining?
Definitely. You can assemble the bread a few hours ahead, keep it refrigerated, and then apply the egg wash and bake right before serving for fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
What if I don’t have mozzarella? Can I skip it?
Mozzarella adds meltiness but is optional. The feta and spinach mixture on its own creates plenty of flavor and moisture, so skipping it is just fine.
How do I ensure the puff pastry stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy?
Make sure to squeeze excess liquid out of the cooked spinach, avoid adding extra wet ingredients, and brush the edges well to seal the pastry before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe is a true holiday delight that brings warmth, flavor, and a festive visual to your celebrations. It feels like a special treat but is effortless enough to whip up anytime you want to impress your guests or make a cozy snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved part of your holiday traditions!
Print
Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is a festive, flaky puff pastry appetizer filled with a savory blend of cooked spinach, creamy feta, mozzarella, and fragrant garlic. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s shaped like a charming Christmas tree with twisted branches to reveal the cheesy, spinach filling inside. A golden egg wash finish and optional sesame or poppy seed garnish add extra crunch and eye appeal. Easy to prepare and share, this bread makes for a delicious and fun holiday snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for meltiness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste; feta is salty!)
Egg Wash & Garnish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach (with excess moisture squeezed out), crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella if using, minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of salt if needed. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Place one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly roll it out to even the surface and get it ready for shaping.
- Shape the Christmas Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle from the first sheet of puff pastry to resemble a Christmas tree. Set aside the trimmings for later use as decoration or patching.
- Add the Filling: Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the triangle-shaped puff pastry, ensuring full coverage but leaving the edges free for sealing.
- Top with Second Pastry Sheet: Place the second puff pastry sheet over the filling. Cut it into the same triangle shape as the bottom sheet. Press gently around the edges and over the filling to seal the two layers together.
- Create the Tree Branches: On both sides of the triangle, cut horizontal slits about 1 inch apart, leaving the center intact to form the tree trunk. Twist each strip a few times to expose the filling and create the appearance of branches.
- Add a Star (Optional): Using the leftover pastry scraps, cut out a star shape and place it at the top of the tree for a festive touch.
- Apply Egg Wash and Garnish: Beat the egg and brush it over the entire surface of the pastry to give it a golden, shiny finish after baking. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown all over.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the twisted branches to share this fun, festive holiday appetizer warm.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the cooked spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
- Adjust salt to taste carefully as feta cheese is naturally salty.
- For an extra cheesy and gooey filling, don’t skip the optional mozzarella.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for cleaner cuts when shaping the pastry and branches.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving; store wrapped in the refrigerator.
