Description

This Easy Christmas Tree Spinach Feta Bread is a festive and savory appetizer perfect for the holiday season. Made with layers of buttery puff pastry filled with a flavorful combination of cooked spinach, tangy feta, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, this bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s simple to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and can be garnished with pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Filling

1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry and chopped)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach (make sure it is well-drained and chopped), crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined for a flavorful filling.
Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle shape. Cut the rectangle in half to create two equal pieces, which will be used as the base and top layer of the bread.
Assemble Tree Shape: Place one pastry piece on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture onto the pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a border around the edges for sealing. Carefully place the second pastry piece on top and press down gently around the edges to seal the two layers together.
Create Branches: Using a sharp knife, cut slits into both sides of the tree shape, approximately 1 inch apart, leaving the center intact to form the ‘trunk’ of the tree. Twist each strip away from the center to create the appearance of tree branches.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the assembled tree with the beaten egg wash to help it brown beautifully and develop a shiny, golden crust.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, fully cooked, and golden brown in color.
Cool and Garnish: Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, garnish with pomegranate seeds or halved cherry tomatoes to add vibrant festive colors and a touch of freshness.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive appetizer to delight your guests during the holidays.

Notes

You can use frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out all moisture before using.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
This bread works wonderfully as a holiday appetizer or a centerpiece for festive gatherings.
Make sure to not overfill the pastry to avoid leakage during baking.
For an extra touch, brush with olive oil before baking if desired.