Save to Pinterest A festive, savory pull-apart bread shaped like antlers, filled with creamy spinach dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or themed parties.
This recipe has always been a hit with my family during the holidays. It’s fun to assemble and even better to share.
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 warm:
- Guests can pull apart the bread and dip as they go!
Save to Pinterest Making this together creates warm family moments that everyone enjoys from prep to eating.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 11 g (per serving)
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This festive recipe brings beauty and flavor to your table and is sure to impress your guests every time.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the bread to resemble antlers?
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll one into a ring for the head and form the other into long branched shapes for the antlers, attaching them securely to the ring before baking.
- → Can I prepare the spinach filling in advance?
Yes, the creamy spinach and cheese dip can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to fill the bread.
- → What is the best way to ensure the bread is fully cooked?
Bake until the bread has a golden crust and the filling is bubbling, usually around 25–30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- → Are there alternative fillings to try with this bread?
Yes, you can add cooked bacon, artichoke hearts, or substitute spinach with kale for different flavors.
- → How should the bread be served for best enjoyment?
Serve warm so guests can easily pull apart the bread and enjoy the creamy filling together, ideal alongside veggie sticks or crackers.