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 was a hit at our holiday party where everyone loved pulling apart the bread to dip.
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 My family especially enjoyed gathering around and pulling apart the bread together during the holidays.
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 to Pinterest This recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite with its fun presentation and delicious filling.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the bread into antlers?
Divide the dough into portions, roll one into a ring, and shape the other into long branches resembling antlers. Attach securely before filling.
- → Can I use store-bought dough for this?
Yes, using store-bought pizza dough works as a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor.
- → What cheeses are included in the filling?
The filling includes cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan for a creamy, rich texture.
- → How should I bake the filled bread?
Brush the shaped dough with beaten egg and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- → Are there optional decoration ideas?
Yes, cherry tomatoes or olives can be added to create eyes and a nose for a festive reindeer look.
- → Can I add other ingredients to the dip?
Optional additions like cooked bacon or artichoke hearts can enrich the dip’s flavor and texture.