Save Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees—perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties.
I love making these sandwiches for my family's Christmas parties they always enjoy the festive shapes and flavors.
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 These sandwiches always bring joy to our family holiday gatherings especially the kids who love the fun shapes and colors.
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
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.
Save This recipe makes holiday entertaining fun and easy with a festive touch your guests will love.
Recipe FAQ
- → What types of bread work best for these sandwiches?
White and whole wheat sandwich breads are ideal due to their softness and ability to hold star shapes without crumbling.
- → How do I achieve the star shapes?
Use star-shaped cookie cutters in varying sizes to cut the bread, creating the layered tree effect.
- → Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
They are best assembled shortly before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- → What fillings complement the cream cheese base?
Finely diced red bell pepper and cucumber add color and texture, enhancing the creamy spread.
- → Are there options for dietary adaptations?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and gluten-free bread to accommodate various diets.
- → What garnish options enhance presentation?
Small cherry tomatoes or star-shaped yellow bell pepper pieces serve as festive tree toppers, with chopped parsley resembling pine leaves.