Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks

Tree trimmed with fresh sage leaves. 

I just had to give this tree a try! Although it looks a bit complicated, it is actually easy and very tasty. Besides that it is impressive.
The recipe, complete with a step-by-step video is from itsalwaysauturn.com  -- such a clever idea!
Note: I assembled the tree about an hour and a half before guests arrived for a party, put it in the refrigerator and then popped it in the oven about 30 minutes before the party started.

Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
12 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
6 oz. cream cheese, softened (I used an 8 oz. pkg.)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (I used a combo of both)
1 (11 oz.) tube refrigerated thin crust pizza
Brush tree with: 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt & Italian seasoning (I actually never got around to doing this step!)

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. In a bowl, beat together the spinach and cream cheese. 

   

   I squeezed the spinach until it was dry in a piece of cheesecloth.

   
   
   
3. Add garlic, salt, onion powder, pepper, chili powder, Italian seasoning;ng and beat to combine.
4. Add Parmesan and 1/2 cup of Cheddar or mozzarella and continue to beat.
   
5. To shape: roll pizza crust out on a work surface. (Shaping video available at itsalwaysauturn.com )
6. Cut a tree shape out of center.
   
7. Place outer pieces of tree on a silicon baking sheet (I also added a sheet of sprayed parchment paper on top of the silicon) and press together and stretch to create a base tree shape + push and shape dough to create a small trunk. 
8. Spread spinach mixture over tree shape, spreading evenly to edges. (Mixture may be softened in microwave for 30 seconds to soften just slightly if it does not spread evenly).
   
9. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
   
10. Place other tree shape on top and stretch to fit over the spinach mixture. 
    
11. Before cutting the breadsticks, mark off the center of tree so the (visually or with a toothpick) so that there will be an inch of uncut surface right down the center of the tree. Then, using a pizza cutter or very sharp knife, begin cutting slits up and down each side of the tree, about 1" apart, being sure to keep the center section of the tree intact.
    
12. Twist each  "breadstick" to further create a tree shape—base sections that are longer, twist 3 or 4 times; top sections need only 1 or even a half twist. 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. Transfer silicon sheet to baking tray. 
14. Bake tree for 22 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through on the bottom. It the edges begin to brown too fast, cover with strips of foil.
15. Once baked, run a long spatula under all parts of the tree and transfer to a wooden board or serving platter by slipping off the silicon/parchment. 
    
16. Melt butter, add garlic salt and Italian seasoning. (I never got around to this step!)

Recipe without photos . . .
Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
12 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
6 oz. cream cheese, softened (I used an 8 oz. pkg.)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (I used a combo of both)
1 (11 oz.) tube refrigerated thin crust pizza
Brush tree with: 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt & Italian seasoning (I actually never got around to doing this step!)

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. In a bowl, beat together the spinach and cream cheese. 
3. Add garlic, salt, onion powder, pepper, chili powder, Italian seasoning;ng and beat to combine.
4. Add Parmesan and 1/2 cup of Cheddar or mozzarella and continue to beat.
5. To shape: roll pizza crust out on a work surface. (Shaping video available at itsalwaysauturn.com )
6. Cut a tree shape out of center.
7. Place outer pieces of tree on a silicon baking sheet (I also added a sheet of sprayed parchment paper on top of the silicon) and press together and stretch to create a base tree shape + push and shape dough to create a small trunk. 
8. Spread spinach mixture over tree shape, spreading evenly to edges. (Mixture may be softened in microwave for 30 seconds to soften just slightly if it does not spread evenly). 
9. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
10. Place other tree shape on top and stretch to fit over the spinach mixture. 
11. Before cutting the breadsticks, mark off the center of tree so the (visually or with a toothpick) so that there will be an inch of uncut surface right down the center of the tree. Then, using a pizza cutter or very sharp knife, begin cutting slits up and down each side of the tree, about 1" apart, being sure to keep the center section of the tree intact.
12. Twist each  "breadstick" to further create a tree shape—base sections that are longer, twist 3 or 4 times; top sections need only 1 or even a half twist. 
13. Transfer silicon sheet to baking tray. 
14. Bake tree for 22 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through on the bottom. It the edges begin to brown too fast, cover with strips of foil.
15. Once baked, run a long spatula under all parts of the tree and transfer to a wooden board or serving platter by slipping off the silicon/parchment. 
16. Melt butter, add garlic salt and Italian seasoning. (I never got around to this step!)

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