Save A whimsical, ocean-inspired snack platter featuring playful starfish-shaped sandwiches, fresh fruits, and crunchy snacks—perfect for summer gatherings or kids parties.
This snack spread was a hit at my last beach-themed party, with kids excited to eat the starfish sandwiches and adults asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Starfish Sandwiches: 12 slices soft sandwich bread, 6 tbsp cream cheese (or hummus), 6 tbsp jam nut butter or deli meat (choose preferred fillings), 1 small cucumber thinly sliced, 1 small carrot peeled and grated, 1 starfish-shaped cookie cutter (approx 3-4 inches wide)
- Fresh Fruit & Veggies: 1 cup seedless grapes halved, 1 cup strawberries hulled and halved, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber rounds
- Crunchy Snacks: 1 cup mini pretzel twists (seaweed), 1 cup goldfish-shaped crackers, 1 cup pita chips or veggie chips
- Dips: 1/2 cup ranch dip or hummus, 1/2 cup fruit yogurt (for fruit)
Instructions
- Cut Starfish Shapes:
- Using the starfish cookie cutter cut star shapes from the bread slices You should get one star per slice—save the bread scraps for breadcrumbs or another use
- Spread Filling:
- Spread cream cheese (or hummus) on half of the star-shaped bread pieces
- Add Fillings:
- Add your preferred filling jam nut butter or deli meat followed by slices of cucumber or grated carrot if desired
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Top each with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches
- Arrange Sandwiches:
- Arrange the starfish sandwiches in the center of a large platter
- Add Fruits and Veggies:
- Surround the sandwiches with halved grapes strawberries baby carrots and cucumber rounds
- Add Snacks:
- Add clusters of pretzel twists goldfish crackers and pita chips to represent seaweed and ocean floor
- Place Dips:
- Place dips in small bowls and nestle them among the snacks
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve
Save This recipe brings family and friends together for fun and easy snacking perfect for summer days and parties.
Required Tools
Starfish-shaped cookie cutter Large serving platter Small bowls (for dips) Sharp knife Vegetable peeler
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread crackers pita chips) Dairy (cream cheese yogurt ranch dip) Nuts (if using nut butter) Soy (in some deli meats or dips) Always check labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination
Nutritional Information
Calories 240 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 6 g (per serving estimated)
Save This starfish snack spread offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures sure to please all ages.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the star shapes for the sandwiches?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes from the sandwich bread slices. This creates uniform, playful sandwiches perfect for the platter.
- → What fillings work best inside the star sandwiches?
Cream cheese or hummus spread layered with jam, nut butter, deli meats, cucumber slices, or grated carrot create flavorful combinations inside the star sandwiches.
- → Can this spread accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes, swap cream cheese for dairy-free spreads for vegan options or replace meat fillings to suit vegetarian or non-vegetarian diets.
- → How can I keep the platter fresh for serving later?
Cover the assembled platter and refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps maintain freshness, especially for fruit and sandwich fillings.
- → What snacks add a complementary crunch to the star sandwiches?
Mini pretzel twists, goldfish crackers, and pita or veggie chips add a satisfying crunch and contribute to the ocean theme of the spread.
- → Which dips pair well with this snack spread?
Ranch dip, hummus, or fruit yogurt create smooth, tasty dips that complement both the sandwiches and fresh fruit selections.