Pin It Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees—perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family for its fun presentation and delicious taste.
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.
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These mini sandwiches always bring smiles and start great conversations at our family holiday parties.
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. 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
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.
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These sandwiches are quick to assemble and always impress guests with their festive appearance.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for these stacked sandwiches?
White and whole wheat sandwich bread are ideal due to their soft texture and ability to hold the star shapes when cut and stacked.
- → How do I achieve the star shapes in different sizes?
Use star-shaped cookie cutters in large, medium, and small sizes to create the layers, which contribute to the sandwich’s festive look.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese spread?
Yes, dairy-free alternatives can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the creamy texture.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Cherry tomatoes or star-shaped pieces of yellow bell pepper act as tree toppers, while chopped parsley adds a pine needle-like effect for holiday appeal.
- → Are there options to add protein to this dish?
Thinly sliced turkey or smoked salmon can be layered for added flavor and protein, though the original version is vegetarian.
- → How can I serve these sandwiches for best effect?
Arrange the finished stacks on a platter and serve immediately, optionally alongside festive dips such as cranberry sauce or honey mustard.