Dinner

Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers Recipe

Name: Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-496859H24M52S
Total time: PT-496859H24M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10-oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed, liquid squeezed out; 6 oz. cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; All-purpose flour, for surface dusting; 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-oz. box), thawed according to package directions; 12 wooden skewers; 6 slices Provolone cheese

ByClara Bennett September 5, 2026September 5, 2026

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Introduction

These Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crisp puff pastry layers encase a creamy spinach and artichoke filling, all shaped into charming little trees topped with cheesy stars.

The image shows several puff pastry snacks shaped like Christmas trees and stars on wooden sticks, placed on a dark green surface. The Christmas tree-shaped pastries have multiple layers folded in a zigzag pattern, displaying golden-brown baked dough with green herbs and melted cheese visible inside the folds. Each tree is topped with a large, solid white star cutout made of cheese. The stars are smooth and have five points, providing a nice contrast to the textured, flaky pastry below. The surface around the pastries has scattered grains of salt, enhancing the rustic, homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (10-oz.) bag frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and 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
6 slices Provolone

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and chopped artichokes. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 15″ x 12″ rectangle about 1/8″ thick, trimming edges if needed.
Step 3: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over one puff pastry sheet. Place the second sheet on top and gently press to adhere the layers together.
Step 4: With the long side facing you, cut the layered pastry into twelve 1″-thick strips. Taking one strip at a time, fold the dough back and forth in a zig-zag pattern, making each fold narrower than the last to form a tree shape. Arrange the filling side up.
Step 5: Skewer each tree from the bottom through the top, leaving about 1/2″ of skewer visible above. Separate the layers gently after skewering to keep them from being pressed too tightly. Place the skewered trees on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until the puff pastry is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 7: Stack two slices of Provolone cheese and use a small star-shaped cookie cutter or a paring knife to cut out four small stars. Repeat with remaining Provolone slices. Carefully skewer a star onto the top of each tree as a festive finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
Swap Provolone stars for small pieces of cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor.
For extra color and crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the filling before baking.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. These are best enjoyed fresh for optimal flakiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pastry made from spiral layers of golden-brown puff pastry with visible bits of green herbs and orange cheese inside. The tree is formed by stacking about four layers, each layer smaller than the one below, creating a tiered, triangular shape. At the very top, there is a pale yellow star-shaped piece of cheese standing upright. Powdered cheese is being sprinkled over the whole pastry, adding a dusting of white. This tree pastry is centered on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before placing them in the oven.

What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?

Puff pastry is key for the flaky texture of this recipe. If unavailable, phyllo dough can be an alternative but will result in a crisper, thinner tree. Avoid using pie crust as it won’t puff up the same way.