Save Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees—perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties.
This recipe brings fun and creativity to holiday snacks, and my family always enjoys making and eating these adorable sandwiches together.
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 Making these sandwiches brings smiles to my family's faces every holiday season.
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
Save These sandwiches are quick to prepare and add a festive touch to any holiday table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What bread types work best for these stacked stars?
White and whole wheat sandwich breads provide contrasting colors and soft textures that hold layers well without crumbling.
- → Can I make these bites ahead of time?
It's best to prepare them shortly before serving to keep the bread fresh and prevent sogginess from the creamy filling.
- → What fillings complement the cream cheese base?
Diced bell peppers and cucumber add fresh crunch and color, balancing the smooth softness of the cheese layers.
- → How do I maintain the stacked layers when serving?
Secure each sandwich stack with a decorative skewer or toothpick to keep the star shapes aligned and intact.
- → Are there vegetarian adaptations for these snacks?
Yes, you can omit optional meat additions and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- → What garnishes enhance the festive look?
Cherry tomatoes or star-cut yellow bell pepper atop the stacks create a tree-top effect, complemented by fresh parsley to mimic pine leaves.