Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
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1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick
For Assembly:
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 8–10 minutes.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly incorporated into a creamy, spreadable filling.
Step 3: Shape the Tree
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the spinach-artichoke filling evenly over the dough.
Cut the dough into strips about 1–2 inches wide, keeping them attached at the base if desired. Stack the strips slightly or layer them creatively to form a tree shape, trimming and twisting the edges to create a branched look.
Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Brush the entire surface of the tree with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder and additional Parmesan cheese evenly. This adds flavor and helps the top turn golden and crispy during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pull-apart tree for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on the top to prevent over-browning.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the tree to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green and added freshness. Guests can pull off individual pieces, revealing gooey layers of spinach, artichoke, and melted cheese with every bite.
Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Bread
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Drain Spinach and Artichokes Well: Excess moisture can make the dough soggy.
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Even Dough Thickness: Ensures uniform baking and prevents undercooked areas.
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Twist Carefully: Twisting the strips creates the “branches” of the tree and exposes more cheesy layers.
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Cheese Variety: Mix mozzarella with fontina or Gruyère for a richer flavor.
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Serving: Serve warm for the best texture and gooey pull-apart experience.
Variations
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Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a tangy twist.
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Pesto Version: Spread a thin layer of pesto under the cheese for a vibrant flavor.
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Mini Trees: Make individual-sized pull-apart trees for easier serving.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free mozzarella.
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Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh the bread and melt the cheese. This dish is best served fresh and warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Pull-Apart works because it combines festive presentation with irresistible flavor. The dough is soft and buttery, the filling is creamy and savory, and the cheese melts perfectly to tie all the flavors together. The pull-apart style makes it interactive, fun, and perfect for sharing, while the tree shape adds a holiday wow factor.
Cheesy Artichoke & Spinach Christmas Tree Pull-Apart is a show-stopping appetizer that’s both delicious and festive. Gooey, cheesy, and visually stunning, it’s a dish that will delight guests and become a holiday favorite year after year.