Creamy Reindeer Antler Spread (Print)

Creamy cheese spread paired with fresh veggies and crackers in an elegant antler design.

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Cheese Spread

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream
03 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
04 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp chives, thinly sliced
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp fine sea salt
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1 tsp lemon zest

→ Antler Accents

11 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
12 - 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
13 - 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons
14 - 12 thin breadsticks
15 - 16–18 wholegrain crackers, oval or oblong preferred
16 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin batons
17 - 8–10 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
18 - 1 small bunch fresh dill, for garnish
19 - Optional: 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Place softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Using a spatula or hand mixer on low speed, beat until smooth, 1–2 minutes. Add sour cream, Dijon mustard, dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until well combined, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.
02 - Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Cut bell peppers into ¼-inch strips. Slice cucumber into ⅛-inch half-moons. Peel and cut carrots into batons matching pepper strip length. Thinly slice radishes. Arrange breadsticks and crackers for easy assembly.
03 - Place the bowl of chilled cheese spread at the center of a large serving platter or wooden board. From each side of the bowl, arrange breadsticks and crackers into symmetrical, upward-curving lines resembling reindeer antlers, starting with longest breadsticks. Alternate pepper strips, carrot batons, and cucumber slices along the curves. Scatter radish slices and optional pomegranate seeds for color. Garnish with dill sprigs along the antlers for a natural finish.
04 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving to maintain crispness and chill. Avoid longer storage after assembly to prevent sogginess.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking skills—just assembly and a little creativity, which means you can focus on the joy of hosting rather than stress in the kitchen.
  • The creamy, herb-forward spread is so addictive that guests will keep coming back, and the fresh vegetables stay crisp for hours, making it perfect for parties that stretch into the evening.
  • It's a conversation starter that feels Scandinavian and elegant but is honestly just clever vegetable arrangement—your guests will think you're a culinary genius.
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese will fight you every step of the way and result in a grainy, lumpy spread no matter how much you beat it. Set it out 30 minutes before you begin.
  • Pat your vegetables completely dry after washing them; any moisture will cause slipping during assembly and will make crackers soggy within minutes. A salad spinner is your friend here.
  • Don't assemble this more than 2 hours ahead of time, even loosely covered. The vegetables are sturdy, but crackers and breadsticks will begin to soften as they sit near the moist spread.
03 -
  • Use a wooden board instead of a ceramic platter—it provides better grip for the breadsticks and crackers, and it looks more rustic and inviting than cold white china.
  • Slice your radishes paper-thin using a mandoline if you have one; they'll be more delicate and will curve beautifully along the antlers rather than standing stiffly.
  • Keep the spread in its bowl rather than spreading it directly on the board—this prevents it from drying out and allows guests to scoop and spread as much or as little as they want.
  • If you're worried about symmetry, lightly sketch the antler shape on the board with your finger before you start placing breadsticks—a gentle guideline can help you create balanced curves.
Back