Save A festive, savory pull-apart bread shaped like antlers, filled with creamy spinach dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or themed parties.
This recipe brings holiday cheer to any party I host, and the guests love tearing apart the dip ring together.
Ingredients
- Bread Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 250 ml warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Spinach Dip: 200 g frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry, 200 g cream cheese softened, 100 g sour cream, 60 g grated Parmesan cheese, 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Decoration (optional): Cherry tomatoes or olives (for eyes/nose)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour yeast sugar and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Spinach Dip:
- In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese sour cream Parmesan mozzarella minced garlic salt pepper onion powder and nutmeg. Stir in the chopped spinach until well combined. Set aside.
- Shape the Antler Ring:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two portions one for the head/ring one for the antlers. Roll the larger portion into a thick rope and shape into a ring (about 22 cm diameter). Place on the baking sheet. Cut and shape the second portion into antlers (long branched shapes) and attach securely to the ring. Carefully cut a slit along the top of the ring (not all the way through) and gently fill with the spinach dip.
- Bake:
- Brush dough with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bread is golden and cooked through and dip is bubbling.
- Decorate (optional):
- Place cherry tomatoes or olives as eyes and a nose to complete the reindeer look.
- Serve:
- Serve warm. Guests can pull apart the bread and dip as they go!
Save This recipe always creates special family moments as everyone gathers around to pull apart the bread and enjoy together.
Notes
For a shortcut use store-bought pizza dough. Add crumbled cooked bacon or artichoke hearts to the dip for extra flavor. Serve with veggie sticks or crackers alongside for more dipping options.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin Pastry brush Mixing spoons
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat flour) dairy (cheese cream cheese sour cream) and egg. Check all labels if serving to guests with allergies.
Save This delicious reindeer antler dip ring is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table and sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the antlers on the bread?
Divide the dough into two portions: one for the ring and one for the antlers. Roll the antler portion into long branched shapes and attach them securely to the ring before baking.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and allowed to rise ahead of time. For convenience, store-bought pizza dough can also be used.
- → What can I add to the spinach filling for extra flavor?
Consider mixing in crumbled cooked bacon or artichoke hearts to enhance the dip’s flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent the dip from leaking out during baking?
Create a shallow slit on top of the ring and fill it gently to minimize spillage while allowing the filling to bubble and stay contained.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve warm alongside veggie sticks or crackers to complement the creamy spinach filling and encourage dipping.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains dairy and eggs but no meat, making it appropriate for vegetarian diets.