Festive creamy dip with antlers (Printable)

Creamy dip centerpiece with artful vegetable, cracker, and cured meat arrangement forming festive antlers.

# What You Need:

→ 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 black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

08 - 1 large carrot, cut into thin sticks
09 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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 mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place in the center of a large serving platter.
02 - Place carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, cucumber sticks, and snap peas in two symmetrical, sweeping curves on each side of the dip to resemble antlers.
03 - Intertwine halved breadsticks and assorted crackers along the vegetable antler lines to enhance texture and visual appeal.
04 - If using, weave prosciutto or salami strips among the vegetable and cracker lines for added flavor and contrast.
05 - Finish with fresh dill or parsley sprigs for a festive touch and serve immediately alongside extra crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning without requiring any fancy plating skills—just honest, beautiful arrangement that impresses everyone
  • You can prep it completely ahead of time, meaning you're actually relaxing while your guests arrive instead of frantically cutting vegetables
  • The creamy dip is dangerously addictive, and people will keep coming back for one more bite long after the appetizers should be gone
  • It works for both vegetarians and meat lovers, so no one feels left out at your table
02 -
  • The dip will weep liquid after sitting for an hour. This is normal, not a failure. If serving far in advance, drain the bowl occasionally or add the dip just before serving. Vegetables release moisture and it has to go somewhere.
  • Room temperature is non-negotiable for cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will not blend properly and you'll end up with a lumpy, disappointed situation. Plan ahead and let it sit.
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife for vegetables—it grips better than a chef's knife and gives you cleaner, more elegant cuts without crushing or bruising
  • If you're worried about vegetables discoloring (like avocado or apples), toss them lightly in lemon juice fifteen minutes before arranging, and add them last to your spread
Go Back