Save Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties
This recipe is great for holiday parties and has always been a hit with my family especially the kids who love the star shapes
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices white sandwich bread 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
- Fillings: 120 g cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped 2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced 2 tbsp cucumber, finely diced
- Garnishes: 12 small cherry tomatoes or star-shaped pieces of yellow bell pepper (for tree toppers) 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for leaves)
- Optional: 1 tbsp mayonnaise Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, chives, and, if desired, mayonnaise. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Using star-shaped cookie cutters in 3 different sizes (large, medium, small), cut out star shapes from both types of bread. Aim for 1 large, 1 medium, and 1 small star per sandwich.
- Step 3:
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture onto each bread star.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle diced red bell pepper on one-third, and diced cucumber on another third, to create visual variety and texture.
- Step 5:
- Stack the stars from largest to smallest, alternating bread colors for contrast.
- Step 6:
- Insert a decorative skewer or toothpick through the center of each stack to secure the layers.
- Step 7:
- Top each sandwich stack with a cherry tomato or a star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper to mimic a Christmas tree topper.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pine needle effect.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save This recipe brings the whole family together during the holidays creating fun memories while preparing and eating
Notes
For added flavor, layer with thinly sliced turkey or smoked salmon omit for vegetarian version. Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives if needed. Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option. Serve with a festive dip, such as cranberry sauce or honey mustard.
Required Tools
Star-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes) Spreading knife Mixing bowl Skewers or toothpicks Cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 105 Total Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 3 g
Save These mini sandwiches are perfect for festive occasions and easy to customize for different dietary needs
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of bread work best for these sandwiches?
Use white and whole wheat sandwich bread for color contrast and soft texture, ideal for easy cutting and layering.
- → How do you create the star shapes?
Use star-shaped cookie cutters in three sizes to cut bread slices and assemble mini sandwich stacks.
- → Can the cream cheese mixture be modified?
Yes, add mayonnaise for creaminess or swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
- → What garnishes work best for a festive touch?
Cherry tomatoes or star-cut yellow bell pepper pieces make great tree toppers, and fresh parsley simulates pine needles.
- → Are there vegetarian options or adaptations?
This version is vegetarian, but you can add thinly sliced turkey or smoked salmon for a non-vegetarian twist.
- → How should these sandwiches be served or stored?
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately for best freshness; cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead.