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Spinach Feta Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees pack festive cheer into each flaky bite. With tangy feta, creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and fresh spinach nestled inside crisp golden pastry, these trees shine at any holiday table. Bringing them out of the oven, the aroma and playful shape spark smiles and signal the start of cozy gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer or a whimsical main, this recipe guarantees joyful snacking and a splash of color on your plate.
The first time I assembled this for a December brunch my friends snapped photos before even taking a bite. It has become a tradition every year to bake these trees and kick off our holiday season.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach: gives a vibrant green color and earthy base flavor. Look for bright perky leaves with no slimy spots for best taste
- Feta cheese: adds creamy tang with a salty punch. Choose a block style and crumble for better texture
- Cream cheese: provides rich smoothness to the filling. Room temperature is ideal for easy blending
- Garlic: minced finely brings savory warmth without overpowering
- Dried cranberries: lend pockets of sweet tartness. Chop them for even distribution and a pop of red color
- Puff pastry: forms crisp flaky layers. Use high quality all butter pastry for best flavor
- Egg: beaten creates that shiny golden bakery finish
- Sesame seeds: optional but deliver a little crunch and nutty accent
- Nutmeg: a whisper for holiday warmth. Always grate fresh if possible
- Cracked black pepper: gives subtle heat and depth
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Heat fresh spinach in a dry skillet over medium for about three minutes stirring until deeply wilted. It should look silky and collapsed. Transfer to a colander then firmly press to squeeze out every bit of moisture. This keeps your pastry crisp
- Make the Filling:
- Chop the wilted spinach and place it in a mixing bowl. Add crumbled feta softened cream cheese minced garlic nutmeg black pepper and chopped dried cranberries. Use a sturdy spoon to mix thoroughly until creamy and blended no streaks remaining
- Shape the Pastry:
- Set one puff pastry sheet on a flat surface and cut two large triangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Try to make both triangles the same size for easy assembly. Place one triangle on parchment paper as your base
- Fill and Layer:
- Spread the spinach cheese mixture evenly over the base triangle leaving a border around the edge to prevent leaking. Place the second triangle perfectly on top aligning corners
- Form the Christmas Tree:
- With a knife cut horizontal strips along the sides of the triangles about one inch apart but do not cut through the center trunk. These strips will become your branches
- Twist the Branches:
- Gently take each side strip and twist it one or two times to mimic tree branches. Work slowly so the filling stays in place and strips do not break
- Add Shine and Crunch:
- Brush the entire tree with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top if using
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer parchment with the assembled tree to a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for twenty two to twenty five minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly for easy slicing
My all time favorite part is the surprise of biting into a warm cranberry nestled in creamy filling. My kids love to help twist the tree branches so it has become a hands on family activity every December.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a low oven to restore crispness rather than microwaving. You can also freeze the assembled unbaked tree and bake straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or chard just be sure to cook and squeeze out the water. Goat cheese works instead of feta if you prefer a milder taste. Sun dried cherries or apricots give a fun variation if cranberries are not on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Christmas tree into thick branches for party appetizers. Serve atop a bed of greens for a holiday salad centerpiece. Offer a little bowl of honey mustard dip for a sweet savory combo.
Cultural and Historical Context
Puff pastry has long European roots prized for its layered flaky texture. Combining festive shapes with seasonal ingredients like cranberries and green veg is a tradition in winter feasts. These trees bring together that spirit with a playful modern twist.
Seasonal Adaptations
Substitute baby kale or Swiss chard when spinach is not in season. Swap cranberries for chopped fresh apples in autumn for a tart crunch. Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for a toasty note.
Success Stories
One holiday I brought this tree to my office potluck and it disappeared in minutes with coworkers asking for the recipe. Another time my nieces decorated the finished tree with pomegranate arils and everyone loved the extra sparkle.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the trees up to the egg wash and freeze on a tray until solid. Then wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake from frozen adding five to ten minutes to the oven time and brush with fresh egg right before baking.
I hope your holiday kitchen is filled with laughter and delicious aromas while making these cheerful trees. Tuck the extras aside for next day snacking they taste just as magical the second time around.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Remove as much liquid as possible from the spinach mixture and avoid overfilling the pastry. Baking at a high temperature also helps keep it crisp.
- → What can I use instead of feta cheese?
You may use goat cheese or ricotta, but the flavor will be milder. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- → Can these be shaped differently for other occasions?
Yes, you can cut and shape the filled pastry into stars, rounds, or other festive forms to suit any celebration.
- → Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
They can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and baked fresh just before serving for best texture and flavor.