I love making these Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Trees when I want something festive, simple, and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. They are flaky, savory, and full of creamy spinach flavor, making them perfect for holiday snacking, parties, or as a fun appetizer during the Christmas season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses just a handful of ingredients and comes together very quickly. I also enjoy how customizable it is, whether I want to add cheese, spices, or change the filling. The tree shape makes them playful and eye-catching, and they always disappear fast whenever I serve them.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
1/2 cup garlic and herb cream cheese
Optional: salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly on a floured surface to smooth the seams.
In a bowl, I mix the squeezed spinach with the garlic and herb cream cheese until well combined. I season lightly if needed.
I spread the spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Then I cut the pastry into long triangles to resemble Christmas tree shapes. I make small angled cuts along the sides of each triangle to create branches.
I carefully twist each branch slightly for a decorative look and transfer the trees to the prepared baking sheet. If I want extra flavor, I sprinkle a little Parmesan on top.
I bake them for about 15–18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. I let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 Christmas trees from one sheet of puff pastry.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: about 25–30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add shredded mozzarella or feta cheese to the spinach mixture for extra richness. When I want more flavor, I mix in a pinch of nutmeg, chili flakes, or garlic powder. I also like using sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to keep the pastry crisp. I avoid microwaving because it softens the puff pastry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, I often use fresh spinach. I sauté it briefly, let it cool, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the cream cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I like to assemble the trees a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. I bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Spinach Puff Pastry Trees?
I freeze them unbaked on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
I sometimes substitute ricotta mixed with garlic and herbs, or even goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
I make sure the spinach is squeezed very dry and avoid overfilling the pastry. This keeps the layers crisp and flaky.
Conclusion
I enjoy making Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Trees because they combine festive presentation with simple ingredients and big flavor. They are easy to prepare, fun to serve, and always a hit during the holidays. Whenever I need a quick seasonal appetizer, this recipe is one I happily return to.
Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are festive, flaky, savory appetizers made with spinach and garlic‑herb cream cheese filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They’re quick to make, customizable, and perfect for holiday parties or seasonal snacking.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry (or cooked fresh spinach)
1/2 cup garlic and herb cream cheese
Optional: salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth seams.
In a bowl, combine squeezed spinach and garlic‑herb cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Cut the pastry into long triangles to resemble Christmas trees. Make small angled cuts along the sides of each triangle to form branches.
Carefully twist each branch slightly for a decorative look and transfer the trees to the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add shredded mozzarella or feta to the spinach mixture for extra richness.
Mix in nutmeg, chili flakes, or garlic powder for more flavor.
Include sun‑dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Squeeze spinach very dry to prevent soggy pastry.
Keep assembled trees refrigerated until baking for best puff.
