Save A festive, savory pull-apart bread shaped like antlers, filled with creamy spinach dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or themed parties.
This recipe became a hit at our family Christmas party and is always requested for themed celebrations.
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!
Pin it This recipe always brings the family together as everyone enjoys pulling apart the bread and dipping it in the creamy spinach mixture.
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
Per serving: Calories 340 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 11 g
Pin it Enjoy this festive bread ring with family and friends for a memorable holiday appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I shape the antlers for the bread?
Divide the dough and roll the larger portion into a ring for the head. Use the smaller portion to form long, branched shapes representing antlers and attach them securely to the ring before baking.
- → Can I use store-bought dough for convenience?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well as a shortcut and can save preparation time without compromising flavor.
- → What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling combines cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor.
- → How should the finished bread be served?
Serve the bread warm to keep the filling soft and bubbling, allowing guests to pull apart the bread easily and enjoy the creamy dip inside.
- → Are there options to enhance the dip’s flavor?
You can add crumbled cooked bacon or chopped artichoke hearts to the spinach dip to introduce extra savory notes and texture.