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This festive appetizer combines creamy spinach, tangy feta, and sweet cranberries wrapped in flaky puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree. It is a crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and brings a lovely blend of flavors and textures to any party spread.
I first made this recipe during a holiday party and it stole the show everyone asked for the recipe by the next day. It is one of those dishes that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach: 250 grams choose vibrant leaves with no yellowing to ensure freshness and sweetness
- Feta cheese: 200 grams a crumbly and tangy cheese that adds great texture and flavor
- Cream cheese: 100 grams balances feta with creaminess and helps bind the filling
- Garlic: 1 clove minced delivers a warm depth of flavor
- Nutmeg: just a pinch brings a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with spinach
- Cracked black pepper: a quarter teaspoon freshly cracked for maximum aroma
- Dried cranberries: 50 grams chopped their natural sweetness cuts through the savory filling
- Puff pastry: 2 sheets preferably thawed overnight in the fridge for optimal flakiness
- Egg: 1 beaten for egg wash adds a glossy golden finish
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon optional for a slight nuttiness and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Spinach:
- Heat the fresh spinach in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes until wilted but still vibrant. Transfer it immediately to a colander and press out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy pastry. This step is crucial to maintain a crisp texture.
- Mix the Filling:
- Roughly chop the drained spinach and combine in a mixing bowl with feta cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, nutmeg, cracked black pepper, and chopped dried cranberries. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and thick but still slightly chunky for texture contrast.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Using one sheet as a template, cut two large triangles from the puff pastry sheets. Place one triangle on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Spread the spinach mixture evenly on this triangle, leaving about a one inch border for sealing.
- Assemble the Christmas Tree:
- Lay the second puff pastry triangle carefully on top, aligning the edges with the first. Press lightly around the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Shape the Branches:
- Make horizontal cuts along both sides of the pastry triangles leaving the center strip intact to form the trunk. Twist each cut strip once or twice to imitate tree branches, giving them volume and shape.
- Brush and Garnish:
- Brush the entire pastry tree with the beaten egg to create a shiny golden crust when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like a bit of extra crunch and a pretty finish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the tree in a preheated oven set to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for twenty two to twenty five minutes until the pastry becomes puffed and a deep golden brown. Remove and let it cool for five minutes before serving to set the filling perfectly.
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My favorite ingredient has to be the dried cranberries. Their sweet tart flavor always reminds me of holiday gatherings with my family where we would prepare these together while singing carols and sharing stories making the experience extra special.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a low oven at 160 degrees Celsius or 320 degrees Fahrenheit until warm and crisp again. Puff pastry tastes best fresh but will keep well if stored correctly to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap fresh spinach with frozen spinach just make sure to thaw and drain very well before using. Goat cheese or ricotta work well instead of feta if you prefer a milder tang. For a nut free version omit sesame seeds or replace with poppy seeds for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas trees pair beautifully with a simple yogurt dip flavored with lemon zest and dill. They also work great as part of a festive appetizer board alongside olives, nuts, and cured meats. Perfect finger food for holiday parties or cocktail hours.
Cultural Context
Spinach and feta are staples in Mediterranean cooking especially Greek cuisine, often found in dishes like spanakopita. The addition of cranberries here merges traditional flavors with a modern festive twist inspired by Western holiday traditions, making the dish both comforting and celebratory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the spinach mixture from making the pastry soggy?
Make sure to press out as much moisture as possible from the spinach after cooking using a colander or clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the pastry crisp during baking.
- → Can I prepare the spinach filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling to ensure smooth spreading.
- → What’s the best way to shape the pastry like a Christmas tree?
Cut two large triangles from puff pastry sheets. Layer the filling between them, then make horizontal cuts along the sides and twist each strip to form branches.
- → Is it okay to omit the sesame seeds? What do they add?
Sesame seeds are optional but add a subtle nutty flavor and attractive texture on top of the baked pastry.
- → How can I achieve a shiny, golden crust on the pastry?
Brush the entire shaped pastry with a beaten egg before baking. This egg wash promotes a rich golden color and appetizing shine.