Spinach Puff Pastry Trees

Puff pastry Christmas trees stuffed with creamy spinach filling are my answer every year to fun holiday appetizers that look impressive while being secretly simple. This recipe makes flaky golden trees with soft garlicky cheese and spinach between every flaky layer. They fly off the platter at holiday gatherings and make a festive, hands-on snack for kids to help assemble.

My nieces and nephews always beg to help twist the pastry strips into trees. I made these with them one December afternoon, and there was as much laughing as there was cooking.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: choose an all-butter frozen pastry for rich flavor and best puff
• Frozen chopped spinach: thawed and squeeze as dry as possible so the filling stays creamy and not watery
• Garlic and herb cream cheese: or use plain cream cheese and add garlic powder for a mild tang and aromatic lift
• Shredded cheese: cheddar mozzarella or your favorite mixes for gooey melty texture
• Egg: gives the trees that irresistible golden surface
• Sesame seeds: add a little crunch and a finished look totally optional but fun
• Pick puff pastry that is cold but pliable check for good buttery aroma and choose spinach that is vibrantly green with minimal ice crystals

Instructions

Prep the Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry sheet just until bendable but still cool. Unfold it carefully on a lightly floured surface. If needed, roll it lightly with a rolling pin to even out.

Cut Pastry into Strips

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice pastry into long strips about one inch wide. You should have six to eight strips depending on your pastry brand.

Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine thoroughly dried spinach, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

Shape the Christmas Trees

Take one pastry strip and loosely coil it into a spiral, starting wide at the base and tapering as you go to make a tree shape. Gently press with your fingers to hold the shape. Nestle spoonfuls or pipes of spinach filling on and between the layers as you build. Repeat with all strips.

Transfer and Finish

Arrange trees on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg with a splash of water. Brush each tree lightly with egg wash for shine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.

Bake Until Golden

Slide the sheet into a preheated 400 degree oven. Bake for about fifteen to eighteen minutes until the trees are puffed up and deeply golden. Let cool a couple minutes before serving so the filling sets a bit.

My favorite part is seeing little golden flecks of cheese bubbling at the edges after baking. Last December, my dad declared the crispy bits of pastry his favorite nibble of the party.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on a tray in a hot oven to restore crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving which can make the pastry mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have garlic and herb cream cheese, simply use plain cream cheese and add your own dried garlic powder plus chopped fresh parsley or chives. Swap cheddar for swiss for a nutty touch or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

These trees make perfect finger food for a Christmas brunch buffet or as a savory snack with mulled wine or sparkling cider. Scatter a platter with dried cranberries for a pop of color.

Cultural Context

Shaped pastries are a little nod to European holiday treats where buttery dough gets sculpted into festive forms. A savory spinach cheese filling gives a Mediterranean twist much like spanakopita. The tree shape is pure joy for the season.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add diced red bell pepper for festive color and more veggie. Use kale or chard for earthier greens. Tuck in strips of prosciutto if you want an extra savory note.

Success Stories

Last Christmas Eve my brother arrived announcing he just needed something to tide him over. These trees disappeared in minutes. One friend who is not normally into greens asked for the recipe on the spot.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the unbaked trees and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip top bag and bake straight from frozen adding about five extra minutes to cook time.

These festive trees bring out everyone’s playful side and vanish fast—so make a double batch if you want leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, just wilt and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the cheeses.

→ What cheese works best for the filling?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorites add both flavor and gooey texture.

→ Do I need tree-shaped molds?

No special molds needed; spiral the strips by hand for easy shaping.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and assemble in advance, then bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Ensure the spinach is very dry before mixing and avoid overfilling each spiral.