Save A whimsical, ocean-inspired snack platter featuring playful starfish-shaped sandwiches, fresh fruits, and crunchy snacks—perfect for summer gatherings or kids parties.
I love making this snack spread for family get-togethers because it brings a fun ocean theme to the table that kids and adults enjoy alike.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- Spread cream cheese (or hummus) on half of the star-shaped bread pieces.
- Step 3:
- Add your preferred filling: jam, nut butter, or deli meat, followed by slices of cucumber or grated carrot if desired.
- Step 4:
- Top each with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the starfish sandwiches in the center of a large platter.
- Step 6:
- Surround the sandwiches with halved grapes, strawberries, baby carrots, and cucumber rounds.
- Step 7:
- Add clusters of pretzel twists, goldfish crackers, and pita chips to represent seaweed and ocean floor.
- Step 8:
- Place dips in small bowls and nestle them among the snacks.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Save This spread is always a hit at our family summer picnics and never fails to bring smiles to the kids' faces.
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
Per serving (estimated): 240 calories, 8 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Save This starfish snack spread is a delightful and colorful treat, ideal for easy entertaining or a fun kids party.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the starfish sandwiches?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes from bread slices, then layer cream cheese or hummus and your choice of fillings between two star pieces.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, swap cream cheese for a dairy-free spread to make it vegan, or use turkey or chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
- → What snacks complement the starfish sandwiches?
Pair the sandwiches with fresh fruits like grapes and strawberries, baby carrots, cucumber rounds, mini pretzels, goldfish crackers, and pita chips for variety and texture.
- → How should I serve the dips?
Place ranch dip or hummus and fruit yogurt in small bowls nestled among the snack items to allow easy access and a neat presentation.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this spread?
A starfish-shaped cookie cutter, large serving platter, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife, and a vegetable peeler are helpful for preparation.