Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

Festive Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

Warm, gooey spinach artichoke dip transforms ordinary bread into a stunning christmas centerpiece you cannot resist.

Crisp edges and melted cheese beckon from across the kitchen with irresistible charm.

Soft, pillowy layers pull apart revealing creamy, herbed goodness inside each delectable bite.

Holiday gatherings demand something special, and this festive creation delivers pure comfort and joy.

The combination feels like culinary magic, blending classic appetizer flavors into a show-stopping bread experience.

Unexpected and delightful, this recipe promises to become your new seasonal favorite.

Guests will marvel at the delicious magic you have crafted with such seemingly simple ingredients.

Pull-Apart Bread That Doubles as a Dip

  • Transforms classic spinach artichoke dip into a festive, interactive bread experience that delights guests.
  • Creates a visually stunning Christmas tree-shaped appetizer that doubles as a conversation starter and edible centerpiece.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills, takes under an hour to prepare, and uses simple store-bought ingredients for stress-free entertaining.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, game days, and casual family celebrations where finger foods reign supreme.

Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Christmas Bread

Bread Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough, Crescent Dough: Soft and flexible base for creating pull-apart bread, perfect for holding the delicious filling.

Notes: Homemade or store-bought work well, ensure surface is lightly floured.

Spinach Artichoke Filling:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy base for the dip, providing rich texture and smooth consistency.
  • Spinach, Artichoke Hearts: Fresh green vegetables adding nutritional value and classic flavor combination.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses that enhance the overall taste and provide gooey texture.

Notes: Use fresh or frozen spinach, well-drained; choose quality artichoke hearts.

Seasoning and Topping:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for depth of flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Additional herbs and spices for extra aromatic profile.
  • Butter: Rich coating that helps achieve golden brown color and adds buttery taste.
  • Fresh Parsley, Basil: Optional herb garnish for color and fresh flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Decorative element resembling Christmas ornaments.

Notes: Fresh herbs recommended for best taste.

Bake This Dip Bread to Impress Holiday Guests

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Slide the baking sheet into the oven, setting the temperature to 375F (190C). Line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dip Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend these ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped spinach
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir until everything combines into a smooth, delicious mixture.

Step 3: Shape The Dough

Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Roll out pizza or crescent dough and slice into 2-inch squares with a sharp knife.

Step 4: Build Delicious Bread Balls

Dollop a teaspoon of spinach artichoke mixture in the center of each dough square. Gently fold dough corners over the filling, pinching to create sealed balls. Arrange balls in a Christmas tree formation on the baking sheet, placing seam-side down with small gaps between each.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boost

Whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Brush this magical mixture generously over the dough balls.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and puffs up magnificently.

Step 7: Final Festive Touches

Let the bread cool slightly. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top. For extra holiday flair, add cherry tomatoes like ornaments. Serve warm with extra dip or marinara sauce for dunking.

Tips to Keep Bread Soft and Dip Creamy

  • Master the Dough Technique: Handle pizza or crescent dough gently to prevent tearing and ensure smooth, even squares for perfect filling pockets.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar or using reduced-fat options for personalized flavor and healthier variations.
  • Prevent Filling Leakage: Pinch dough corners tightly and seal completely to stop spinach artichoke mixture from seeping out during baking.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Drain spinach and artichoke hearts thoroughly to avoid soggy bread and maintain crisp, golden texture.
  • Elevate Presentation: Arrange dough balls strategically to create an impressive Christmas tree shape, making the dish visually stunning and festive.

Store and Reheat Dip Bread Without Drying Out

  • Store leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap the bread loosely to prevent soggy texture.
  • Warm the bread at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.
  • If you're short on time, heat individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the bread tough.
  • The dip's creamy texture may separate when frozen, so it's best to enjoy the bread fresh or within a few days of preparation.

What to Serve with Spinach Artichoke Bread

  • Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers bright, zesty notes that cut through the rich, creamy dip while complementing the herb and garlic flavors.
  • Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy bread and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense appetizer.
  • Prosecco or champagne adds festive bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites and elevate the holiday party atmosphere with its celebratory feel.
  • Include a small selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami to add savory depth and provide protein-rich accompaniments that enhance the overall appetizer experience.

Dip Bread Fillings You Can Try Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Bread: Replace regular pizza or crescent dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower dough or almond flour-based pastry, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the festive treat.
  • Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pull-Apart: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and cashew sour cream. Use vegan mozzarella and add extra herbs for flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Christmas Tree Bites: Substitute dough with fathead dough made from almond flour, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Include additional low-carb vegetables like chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Keto-Friendly Festive Bread: Create a keto version using zucchini-based dough, full-fat cream cheese, and adding crispy bacon bits for extra richness and protein.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Dip Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive spinach artichoke pull-apart bread brings holiday cheer to Christmas gatherings. Mediterranean flavors and cheesy goodness combine in this crowd-pleasing centerpiece you’ll crave at every seasonal celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 cup (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup (75 grams) canned artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 package (16 ounces/450 grams) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough

Cheese Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning

Garnish:

  • Additional grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Create the creamy spinach artichoke filling by thoroughly blending cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, chopped spinach, diced artichoke hearts, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. On a floured surface, stretch out the pizza or crescent dough and slice into uniform 2-inch squares.
  4. Carefully place a small dollop of the prepared filling at the center of each dough square.
  5. Gently fold the dough’s corners over the filling, creating compact spherical shapes and firmly pinching the edges to seal completely.
  6. Arrange the filled dough balls in a festive Christmas tree configuration on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them seam-side down with slight spacing between each ball.
  7. Combine melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then generously brush this mixture over the assembled dough balls.
  8. Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown, puffy appearance.
  9. Allow the bread to cool slightly, then enhance with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs.
  10. Optional: Decorate with cherry tomatoes to mimic ornaments and serve alongside extra dip or marinara sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

  • Swap dough types easily by using crescent roll, puff pastry, or homemade pizza dough for variety in texture and flavor.
  • Create gluten-free version by selecting certified gluten-free dough or using almond flour-based alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control portion sizes by making mini pull-apart bread using smaller dough squares, perfect for appetizers or individual servings.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by roasting garlic beforehand or adding red pepper flakes for subtle heat in the spinach artichoke filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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