Mediterranean Spinach, Feta & Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
These festive puff pastry Christmas trees bring together Mediterranean flavors with a holiday twist. You get the savory taste of spinach and feta balanced with the gentle sweetness of cranberries. The filling tucks neatly into golden pastry layers that puff up in the oven and create a light, flaky shell. They look playful on a platter but feel elegant enough for a holiday dinner. Serve them as appetizers, a snack, or even a light side dish. They’re simple to assemble and guaranteed to bring a cheerful touch to the table.
Prep: 20–25 minutes
Cook: 18–22 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
¾ cup crumbled feta
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
For the Puff Pastry Trees
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional)
Garnish
Extra dried cranberries
Fresh parsley
A small drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions
Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Warm olive oil in a pan and cook the onion until soft. Add the garlic and stir for a minute.
Add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted and any moisture evaporates.
Remove from heat. Stir in feta, cranberries, oregano, pepper, and salt. Let the mixture cool.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Trim the edges to make a clean rectangle.
Cut the pastry into long strips, about 1 inch wide.
Spoon a small amount of filling along each strip, leaving space at the edges.
Fold or “zig-zag” each strip back and forth into a tree shape, stacking layers until you reach the top.
Insert a small wooden skewer or toothpick through the center to hold the shape. Brush with egg wash and add seeds on top if you want.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden. Let them cool slightly before serving with garnish.
Tips
Cool the filling before adding it to the pastry so the layers stay crisp.
Don’t overfill the strips. A thin layer prevents the trees from unfolding while baking.
If the pastry warms too much, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping the trees.
Press each fold gently so the layers stack neatly without squishing the pastry.
A skewer helps the trees keep their form; remove it before serving if preferred.
Add a touch of lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
Squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach to avoid sogginess.
Keep the knife sharp when cutting the pastry strips so the layers stay clean.
Place the trees several inches apart on the sheet so they puff evenly.
For extra shine, double-coat the tops with egg wash halfway through baking.
Variations
Olive edition: Add chopped Kalamata olives for a saltier kick.
Herb-forward: Swap oregano for dill or basil.
Sweet-spiced: Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to pair with the cranberries.
Nutty version: Mix in chopped walnuts for crunch.
Creamier option: Stir a spoonful of ricotta into the filling.
Spicy blend: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste.
Mediterranean pesto: Replace oregano with a thin swipe of basil or sun-dried tomato pesto.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free feta and a plant-based puff pastry, brushing the tops with almond milk.
Goat cheese swap: Replace feta with goat cheese for a tangier filling.
Mini trees: Cut the pastry into shorter strips for bite-size appetizers.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead? Yes. Assemble the trees, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
Can they be frozen? Freeze unbaked trees on a sheet, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen.
Can I air fry them? Yes, cook at 360°F for 10–12 minutes.
What if I don’t have cranberries? Use raisins or chopped apricots.
Do I need to use skewers? They help the shape but aren’t required.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes. Thaw and squeeze out all liquid.
Can I add meat? Cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey works well.
How do I stop the pastry from tearing? Keep it cold and handle it gently.
What’s the best feta? A block stored in brine has the best texture.
How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days and reheat in an oven.
Nutrition
(per pastry tree, approximate)
Calories: 190
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
These puff pastry Christmas trees bring together soft spinach, tangy feta, and sweet cranberries in a fun holiday shape. They’re easy to prepare and feel festive without being complicated. The Mediterranean flavors keep them light enough to enjoy alongside heavier seasonal dishes, and the flaky pastry adds a satisfying texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or want something cheerful for a holiday dinner, these little trees bring both charm and great flavor to the table.