Reindeer Antler Spread (Print View)

Creamy dip centerpiece with vibrant veggies, crackers, and meats shaped like antlers for a festive touch.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dip

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 4 fl oz sour cream
03 - 0.88 oz grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
05 - 0.5 fl oz fresh lemon juice
06 - 0.5 tsp garlic powder
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

08 - 1 large carrot, cut into thin sticks
09 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
11 - 1 cucumber, cut into thin sticks
12 - 1 cup snap peas (about 3.5 oz)

→ Crackers & Breads

13 - 1 cup breadsticks, halved (about 1.4 oz)
14 - 1 cup assorted crackers (about 2.1 oz)

→ Cured Meats (optional)

15 - 3.5 oz prosciutto or salami, sliced into strips

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh dill sprigs or parsley

# Directions:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully incorporated. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place centrally on a large serving platter.
02 - Arrange carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber sticks, and snap peas in two symmetrical sweeping curves on either side of the dip to form mirrored antler shapes.
03 - Intertwine breadsticks and assorted crackers along the vegetable antler lines to create texture and enhance visual appeal.
04 - For a non-vegetarian variation, weave prosciutto or salami strips among the vegetables and crackers to complement the arrangement.
05 - Top with fresh dill or parsley sprigs for a festive presentation. Serve immediately with extra crackers on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just 25 minutes, and honestly, that's the kind of magic we all need during the holidays.
  • The creamy, herb-forward dip paired with fresh, crisp vegetables creates this perfect balance that keeps people coming back for bite after bite.
  • You can make it entirely vegetarian or add prosciutto for the meat lovers, so there's truly something for everyone at your table.
  • It's the kind of dish that becomes a conversation starter, and your guests will be talking about it long after the party ends.
02 -
  • The dip must be made with softened cream cheese, or you'll end up with an unpleasantly lumpy texture that no amount of stirring can fix. Take the time to let it come to room temperature—your future self will thank you.
  • Arrange your vegetables as close to serving time as possible. If they sit too long, they release moisture that can make everything look wilted. I learned this by making the platter an hour too early and watching it go from stunning to sad.
  • The key to making this look professional isn't precision—it's confidence. The slight imperfections in your vegetable lines actually make it look more handmade and charming, not less.
03 -
  • If you're transporting this to a party, arrange the vegetables and crackers at home on your platter, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and keep the dip in a separate container. Assemble the final platter at your destination for that just-made freshness that impresses everyone.
  • For an even creamier dip, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt—you'll get the tang without the heaviness, and it photographs even better under party lights.
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