1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the dough does not stick. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling is creamy.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough and cut it into approximately 30 small squares or circles of equal size. If you are using pre-portioned dough, ensure each piece is about the size of a golf ball. Having uniform pieces will help the tree look symmetrical and ensure that everything bakes evenly in the oven.
Place about one tablespoon of the cheesy spinach mixture into the center of each dough piece. Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pinch them tightly together to seal the filling inside, then roll them gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Make sure there are no gaps or thin spots where the cheese could leak out during the baking process.
Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a triangular pattern to create the tree. Start with one ball at the top, followed by a row of two, then three, and so on until you have used most of the balls. Use the remaining two or three balls at the bottom center to create a sturdy trunk for your festive tree.
Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color on the dough and for the bread to feel firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure the edges do not get too dark.
While the tree is baking, whisk together the melted butter, chopped parsley, and dried oregano in a small bowl. As soon as you remove the tree from the oven, brush the warm herb butter generously over the entire surface. This adds a wonderful shine and an extra layer of savory flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
