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 become a holiday favorite in my family; everyone loves pulling apart the warm bread and dipping it into the cheesy spinach filling.
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
Save to Pinterest Making this recipe always brings my family together and adds a special touch to our holiday celebrations.
Preparation & Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Recipe 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
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 savory bread ring is perfect for any festive occasion and sure to impress guests with its flavor and presentation.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread is used for the antler ring?
A soft all-purpose flour bread dough is used, enriched with yeast, olive oil, and an egg wash for a golden crust.
- → Can I prepare the spinach filling ahead of time?
Yes, the spinach and cheese mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before filling the dough ring.
- → How can I shape the antlers to look authentic?
Divide the dough and sculpt the antler shapes by making branched, curved pieces and securely attach them to the bread ring before baking.
- → Are there alternatives to spinach for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute or add other greens or veggies like artichoke hearts or kale for variety.
- → What decorations enhance the festive look?
Cherry tomatoes or olives can be used as eyes and nose to complete the reindeer appearance.