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
Scale
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.
