I still remember the first time I made the Spinach Dip Christmas Tree for one of our holiday gatherings—it was pure magic in my kitchen! There’s something so joyful about crafting a festive party dip that doubles as a beautiful centerpiece, and this creamy spinach dip shaped like a Christmas tree delivers just that. From the moment I laid out the vegetable platter tree and scooped the luscious, creamy spinach dip onto it, I felt like I was sharing a little holiday sparkle with my family.
This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree quickly became a family favorite because it’s reliable, delicious, and brings everyone to the table. Though I must admit, early on, I struggled a bit getting the layering and decorating right. There were moments when the dip wanted to slide off the broccoli “branches,” and I learned the hard way how important the right consistency of creamy spinach dip is—not too runny, not too stiff. But once I nailed it, making this holiday appetizer became a joyous tradition that fits perfectly into our busy family life. I’ve found that no matter how chaotic December gets, this spinach dip tree is a stress-free crowd-pleaser that perks up our festive spread.
I first discovered the idea of creating a Christmas edible centerpiece shaped as a tree years ago on Facebook, thanks to the amazing community at Family Easy Recipes. After tweaking it for my family’s taste, it felt perfect. My cooking philosophy is pretty simple: food should be nourishing, shareable, and fun to create. This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree hits all those marks for me—it’s approachable, joyful, and just brimming with holiday cheer.
If you’re looking for a vegetable platter tree with a flavorful twist that doubles as a conversation starter, I wholeheartedly invite you to try this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree with me. And, if you love party snacks, you might want to peek at my Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe too—it’s a perfect complement to this festive party dip! Check it out right here: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. Now, let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this holiday appetizer to life!
What You’ll Need for This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
To make your Spinach Dip Christmas Tree just right, here’s my go-to ingredient list. I always use fresh and flavorful components to create that creamy spinach dip that’s the heart of the dish.
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for that rich creaminess I crave)
- ½ cup sour cream (adds tang and smooth texture)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for that subtle richness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts beautifully and pairs perfectly)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds a lovely bite and color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets (to build the tree shape)
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, mini bell peppers, or red pepper strips (for the colorful ornaments)

When making this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree, I find it super helpful to pick up pre-shredded cheeses to save time, but if you’re like me and want that fresh flavor, shredding your own is always an option—and totally worth it in flavor.
Frozen spinach is my favorite for this recipe, but be sure to squeeze out every last bit of water; otherwise, your creamy spinach dip might get watery and slide off the vegetable platter tree. Here’s a Spinach Dip Christmas Tree trick I swear by: wrap the spinach in a clean towel and squeeze tight. This dryness is key!
And don’t worry if you’re pressed for time during the holidays. You can prep the creamy spinach dip a day ahead (perfect for busy families) then assemble your Christmas edible centerpiece fresh on the day you serve.
If you want to keep your ingredients fresh longer, store leftover spinach in the freezer and cheeses in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For those interested in special breads to pair with your dip, check out this festive loaf perfect for spinach dip from the Sourdough Geeks community.
Ready to start shaping your festive party dip? Let’s make this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree together!
Let’s Make This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree Together
Alright, friend, this part is so much fun! Making your Spinach Dip Christmas Tree is easier than it looks—don’t worry if it feels intimidating at first. I’ve been there, and trust me, this festive party dip is forgiving and totally worth the effort.
- Prepare the Spinach: After thawing your frozen chopped spinach, squeeze out the liquid using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to keep your creamy spinach dip from becoming watery.
- Mix the Creamy Spinach Dip: In a big bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then fold in the spinach, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Your dip should feel thick enough to hold together but still spreadable—kind of like a party dip dream!
- Shape the Tree Base: On a large round platter, arrange your broccoli florets in a triangular shape to resemble a Christmas tree. I find using fresh broccoli adds the best texture, but feel free to steam lightly if you find the florets too hard to spear your dips on. This vegetable platter tree is as healthy as it is festive!
- Spread the Dip: Carefully spoon your creamy spinach dip over the broccoli, shaping and smoothing it to look like a snowy, creamy layer covering the tree “branches.” Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the rustic look adds charm and is totally family-friendly.
- Decorate Your Tree: Now for the fun! Use halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, mini bell peppers, and red pepper strips as edible ornaments. Place them evenly so your veggie platter tree bursts with holiday colors. You could even add some shredded carrots for a bit of orange tinsel effect.
- Final Touch: For the tree trunk, use a few carrot sticks or pretzel rods. Some years, I’ve added a little bit of grated Parmesan to sprinkle over for a “fresh snow” look.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow your Spinach Dip Christmas Tree to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors marry and makes your dip easier to scoop.
In my kitchen, putting together this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree usually takes about 45 minutes total from prep to chill. While the spinach dip is chilling, I like to prep other holiday appetizers or even take a quick coffee break—you deserve it!
If you want some extra tips on making perfectly creamy spinach dip or ways to troubleshoot any texture issues, I recommend this great Spinach Dip Christmas Tree guide from Anna Vocino’s newsletter.
And if you’re curious about breadsticks to serve alongside, the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks recipe over at Family Easy Recipes is a genius match—trust me, your guests will be asking for more!
How I Love to Serve This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
One of my favorite things about this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree is how it brings everyone around the table—both kids and adults can’t resist it! My family loves gathering around with their plates and scooping out this creamy spinach dip alongside crisp vegetable sticks. It’s such a joyful way for us to relax before diving into bigger holiday meals.
I usually pair this spinach dip Christmas tree with simple sides like crackers, warm bread from my favorite Christmas tree charcuterie board recipe, and even my Mexican Street Corn Soup for a cozy holiday touch (recipe here: Mexican Street Corn Soup). These combos keep things balanced and festive without overwhelming the palate.

This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree is perfect for all sorts of occasions—holiday parties, family game nights, or even a casual Sunday dinner when you crave something fun and shareable. It makes a beautiful Christmas edible centerpiece that doubles as a savory snack station, which is a real crowd-pleaser.
Presentation-wise, I’ve found that using a simple white platter really makes the colors pop. And don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetables; some years I’ve added more red and yellow bell peppers or even mini pickles as ornaments for a little crunch variety.
If you ever find yourself with leftover spinach dip (which doesn’t happen often but hey, it’s happened), I like to spread it inside toasted bagels or use it as a warm sauce over baked chicken. It’s amazing how versatile this creamy spinach dip is beyond the holiday season!
Friends who have tried my Spinach Dip Christmas Tree often comment on how fresh and festive it feels compared to your usual dips—plus, they love the veggie platter tree idea. It’s those little touches of holiday spirit that make this much more than just a dip.
If you want a fun way to serve alongside or after, also consider trying my Spicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe—it’s got some of the bold flavors that complement the creamy spinach dip beautifully.
Your Spinach Dip Christmas Tree Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works well, but I recommend sautéing it briefly to remove excess moisture before mixing it into your creamy spinach dip. Just like I share in my kitchen, squeezing out water is key to avoiding a runny festive party dip.
Q2: What if my spinach dip is too runny?
You know what I do when my Spinach Dip Christmas Tree dip is too watery? I add more softened cream cheese or even a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Sometimes, chilling the dip longer helps it firm up too.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Spinach Dip Christmas Tree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you separate the vegetable platter tree components, you can keep them fresh individually as well. My family once rediscovered leftover dip mixed into scrambled eggs—delicious!
Q4: Can I make this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree vegan?
Definitely! Swap out cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo for your favorite vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese substitute. The vegetable platter tree remains just as charming and festive.
Q5: Is it okay to prep the dip a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, prepping the creamy spinach dip the day before makes assembly a breeze on the party day. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the Christmas edible centerpiece.
Q6: How do I keep the broccoli fresh and crisp?
Place broccoli florets in cold water for 30 minutes before assembling the tree. This gives them a nice snap. Just pat dry before adding the dip. This little trick always boosts my veggie platter tree freshness.
Q7: What’s the best way to keep kids engaged with this festive party dip?
Letting kids help decorate the Christmas Dip Tree with the colorful veggies always brings out the cheer. My son loves placing the “ornaments” himself—it’s a tasty and crafty holiday activity.
If you’re keen to see other festive twists or discuss common Spinach Dip Christmas Tree mishaps, the Family Easy Recipes Facebook group is a treasure trove! Sharing stories and wins there always feels like chatting with close kitchen friends.
My Final Thoughts on This Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
There’s something truly special about this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree recipe that warms my heart every holiday season. It’s more than just a holiday appetizer; it’s a ritual that brings my family close and infuses our gatherings with a sparkle of joy and color. The creamy spinach dip nestled within the vegetable platter tree feels like a warm hug surrounded by festive cheer.
Spinach Dip Christmas Tree Pro Tips:
– Use well-drained spinach to prevent watery dips.
– Chill your dip before assembly for easier spreading and firmer texture.
– Let the kids decorate—it’s their favorite part and makes it extra special.
Over the years, I’ve played with some lovely Spinach Dip Christmas Tree variations—adding artichoke hearts for a creamy twist, swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, and even creating a smoked salmon version for a grown-up holiday appetizer. My kids are huge fans of the classic creamy spinach dip version, while my husband loves the version that’s a little zestier.
I truly hope you’ll make this Spinach Dip Christmas Tree your own and create beautiful memories around it just as we have. It’s a holiday snack that’s approachable, nourishing, and full of fun—a recipe that I’m so glad to share with you, dear friend.
For more festive ideas to pair with your Spinach Dip Christmas Tree, don’t miss checking out my other favorite holiday recipes like the Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board or my bright and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Soup.
Wishing you delicious, joyful holiday gatherings filled with laughter and homemade goodness. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
This festive Spinach Dip Christmas Tree is a delicious and visually impressive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a creamy spinach dip arranged in a fun tree shape for easy serving and snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (1 oz) package dry vegetable soup mix
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Assorted fresh vegetables (cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets) and crackers for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry vegetable soup mix. Stir well.
- Add chopped spinach, water chestnuts, green onions, lemon juice, and both cheeses. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the spinach dip mixture into a Christmas tree form on a large serving platter.
- Decorate the tree with fresh vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes for ornaments, sliced bell peppers for garlands, and broccoli for tree foliage) and arrange crackers around the base.
- Chill the dip Christmas tree in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with pita chips or toasted baguette slices, and feel free to customize decorations with your favorite colorful vegetables.

