Pin It Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties.
This recipe brings a fun and creative twist to traditional sandwiches I love making for family celebrations.
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.
Pin It My family especially enjoys assembling these sandwiches together during the holidays creating memorable moments.
Required Tools
Star-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes), spreading knife, mixing bowl, skewers or toothpicks, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (cream cheese). May contain Eggs (if mayonnaise is used). For allergies check bread and cheese labels substitute as needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories 105, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 3 g per sandwich
Pin It These sandwiches are a delightful and simple way to add festive cheer to your table every holiday season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of bread are recommended?
Use both white and whole wheat sandwich bread to create a visual contrast in the stacked stars.
- → How do I shape the sandwiches into stars?
Use star-shaped cookie cutters in three sizes to cut the bread into large, medium, and small stars for stacking.
- → Can the fillings be adjusted?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be enhanced with chives and mayonnaise, and veggies like red bell pepper and cucumber add texture and color.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free bread and dairy-free cream cheese can be used to accommodate dietary needs; protein options like turkey or smoked salmon can be omitted for vegetarian preferences.
- → How to keep the stacked layers secure?
Insert a decorative skewer or toothpick through the center of each sandwich stack to hold the layers firmly together.
- → What garnishes add a festive touch?
Top each stack with cherry tomatoes or star-shaped yellow bell pepper pieces and garnish with chopped parsley to mimic pine needles.