Reindeer Antler Spread (Printable Version)

Creamy dip centerpiece with artfully arranged vegetables, crackers, and cured meats shaped as antlers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dip

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

08 - 1 large carrot, cut into thin sticks
09 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
11 - 1 cucumber, cut into thin sticks
12 - 1 cup snap peas

→ Crackers & Breads

13 - 1 cup breadsticks, halved
14 - 1 cup assorted crackers

→ Cured Meats (optional)

15 - 3.5 ounces prosciutto or salami, sliced into strips

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh dill sprigs or parsley

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place in the center of a large platter.
02 - Position carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber sticks, and snap peas in two mirrored sweeping curves on either side of the dip bowl to resemble antlers.
03 - Intertwine breadsticks and assorted crackers along the vegetable antler lines to add texture and visual interest.
04 - For a non-vegetarian variation, weave prosciutto or salami strips among the vegetables and crackers.
05 - Decorate with fresh dill or parsley sprigs for a festive appearance and serve immediately with extra crackers on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking skills, just a steady hand and a creative eye, which means even nervous entertainers can pull it off flawlessly.
  • Your guests will actually pause and admire it before eating, which feels like a small victory when you're hosting.
  • The creamy, herb-infused dip tastes so good that people will ask for the recipe, not realizing how simple it actually is.
  • You can prep it entirely in advance and simply arrange it thirty minutes before guests arrive, turning entertaining from stressful into actually enjoyable.
02 -
  • Your vegetables will weep moisture if you cut them more than four hours in advance; cut them no more than two to three hours before arranging, or they'll look sad and wilted when your guests arrive.
  • The dip tastes better at room temperature than straight from the fridge, so take it out about thirty minutes before people start eating, allowing the flavors to wake up and become themselves again.
03 -
  • Keep your vegetables in ice water until the very last moment before arranging; this keeps them crisp and ensures they look fresh when guests arrive, and crisp vegetables taste infinitely better than floppy ones.
  • Use a large platter, not a small one; the generosity of space is part of what makes this spread feel special and luxurious, and it also makes it easier for guests to select items without creating chaos.
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