Reindeer Antler Spread Appetizer (Print Version)

Creamy dip centerpiece with colorful vegetables, crackers, and meats arranged as festive antlers.

# Components:

→ Dip

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream
03 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 - Salt and freshly ground 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

→ Crackers & Breads

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

→ 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 bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. Transfer to a small serving bowl and center on a large platter.
02 - Lay out carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber, and snap peas in two mirrored sweeping curves on either side of the bowl to resemble antlers.
03 - Intertwine halved breadsticks and assorted crackers along the vegetable lines for texture and visual appeal.
04 - For a non-vegetarian option, weave prosciutto or salami strips among the other ingredients.
05 - Decorate with fresh dill or parsley sprigs. Serve immediately with extra crackers alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing, but honest confession—it takes just 25 minutes and mostly assembly
  • The creamy, herbaceous dip is addictive enough that guests will ask for the recipe before the party's even over
  • It's naturally vegetarian-friendly but impressive enough to serve at any gathering, from casual hangouts to fancy holiday events
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese—it's the difference between a smooth dip and a grainy one that looks amateurish
  • Arrange your vegetables on the platter just before serving; if vegetables sit too long, they start to weep and lose their crispness and appeal
  • The dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge, which takes so much stress out of party day
03 -
  • For extra flavor depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of horseradish to your dip—it adds intrigue without overwhelming
  • Keep your vegetables ice-cold until the last moment, and you'll notice they stay impossibly crisp throughout the entire party
  • Arrange the platter in the kitchen one final time just before guests arrive, because wilted vegetables damage the whole effect
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