Description

This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, feta, and mozzarella cheeses, it’s shaped like a Christmas tree and baked to golden perfection. The combination of creamy cheeses and savory spinach wrapped in flaky pastry makes for a crowd-pleasing, visually stunning dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry & Filling

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and well-drained)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 clove garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Cooking & Garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thawed and well-drained spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to remove excess moisture. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a clean surface and cut it into two equal rectangles. Place one rectangle on the prepared baking sheet as the base.
Assemble the Layers: Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the base rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the second puff pastry rectangle on top of the filling and gently press down to seal.
Shape the Christmas Tree: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered puff pastry into a large triangle shape to represent the Christmas tree. Reserve any excess pastry to create decorative stars or ornaments if desired.
Create Branches: Position the triangle with the point facing upward. Make horizontal cuts on both sides of the triangle, leaving a 1-inch strip intact in the center. Twist each strip away from the center strip to resemble tree branches.
Apply Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush the entire tree generously with the beaten egg to achieve a golden color when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the decorated pastry tree in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is puffed up and golden brown.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature as a festive appetizer.

Notes

You can prepare the spinach and cheese filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
For a creamier filling, add a spoonful of ricotta cheese to the mixture.
Swap feta cheese for goat cheese to introduce a tangy variation.
Use star-shaped pastry cutouts from the reserved dough to decorate the top of the tree for extra festivity.