Save Festive, bite-sized sandwiches layered in star shapes to resemble mini Christmas trees—perfect for holiday gatherings and kids parties.
This is a fun and creative recipe I enjoy making every holiday season with my family.
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 My family loves gathering around to help make these sandwiches each holiday , making it a cherished tradition .
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 These sandwiches brighten up any holiday table and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What breads work best for these star stacks?
Using both white and whole wheat sandwich bread provides color contrast and a soft texture ideal for cutting with stars-shaped cutters.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese in the layers?
Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used for those avoiding dairy, keeping the texture creamy and light.
- → How do I keep the layers stable when stacking?
Inserting a skewer or toothpick through the center helps hold the stacked stars securely together during serving.
- → Are there suggestions for additional fillings?
Thin slices of turkey or smoked salmon can be added between layers for extra flavor, though this changes the original vegetarian nature.
- → What is a good garnish to mimic pine needles?
Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled around or between layers adds a green, leafy effect reminiscent of pine needles.
- → How quickly should these be served after assembling?
They are best served immediately to keep bread fresh and fillings vibrant, preventing sogginess.