The holiday season is the perfect time for family gatherings, and what better way to make your table shine (and have bragging rights) than with these delicious, festive Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers? Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also a fun, seasonal twist on a classic appetizer.
These bite-sized skewers are packed with creamy spinach, artichoke, and cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time – perfect for any last-minute holiday party.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed, liquid squeezed out
- 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 3/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- All-purpose flour, for surface
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-oz. box), thawed according to package directions
- 12 skewers or toothpicks
- 6 slices Provolone
Additional Materials:
- Small star cookie cutter (for cheese star)
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and artichokes; season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare Pastry Sheet: On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry sheets to 15″ x 12″ rectangle about 1/8″ thick, trimming if needed.
- Load up Pastry Sheet: Spread spinach mixture in an even layer on one pastry sheet. Top with other pastry sheet, lightly pressing to adhere. With the long end facing you, cut out 12 (1″- thick) strips.
- Assemble Trees: Working one strip at a time, fold dough back and forth in a zig-zag motion, with each layer getting narrower than the last, to create a tree shape. Arrange filling side up. Skewer each tree from bottom and through top, making sure about 1/2″ of the skewer shows at the top. You may have to separate the layers after skewering so they aren’t smushed together. Arrange on prepared sheets.
- Bake trees: Bake until puff pastry is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Create Star Topper: Stack 2 slices of Provolone. Cut out small stars with a small cookie cutter or paring knife to get 4 stars; repeat with remaining Provolone. Carefully skewer stars onto top of trees.
(Recipe adapted from delish.com)
Why You’ll Love These Skewers
- Quick & Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a delicious appetizer that looks like it took all day.
- Customizable: Add more cheese, swap the veggies, or play with the garnishes to make these skewers your own! (i.e adding cranberries or tomatoes as ornaments)
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any holiday gathering.
Tip for Making It Ahead
If you’re planning for a big gathering, these skewers are perfect for prepping ahead of time! You can assemble them a day before, cover, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season
I hope this recipe adds a little extra joy to your holiday celebrations. It’s always nice to have something that not only tastes great but also brings a little festive flair to the table. And if you’re thinking about finding a new place to celebrate next year, I’m here to help you with all your real estate needs!
Merry Christmas! May your holidays be filled with peace, love, and moments that matter most.