Save Festive mini sandwiches stacked and cut into whimsical Christmas tree shapes, perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft bread, savory ham, creamy cheese, and a touch of herbed butter make these treats both fun and delicious.
I first made these mini sandwiches at a family Christmas party and they were a huge hit with both kids and adults, adding a playful touch to our holiday spread.
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- Filling: 6 slices cooked ham, 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar as preferred), 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Garnish: 12 small cherry tomatoes or pimento-stuffed olives (for tree toppers), fresh parsley or dill sprigs (for decoration)
Instructions
- Mix herbed butter:
- Mix the softened butter, chopped chives, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
- Spread butter:
- Lay out the bread slices and spread the herbed butter thinly on one side of each slice.
- Assemble sandwiches:
- On six slices, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices buttered side down to form sandwiches.
- Cut shapes:
- Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut each sandwich into tree shapes saving the scraps for another use.
- Secure stacks:
- Secure each mini sandwich stack with a cocktail stick. Top with a cherry tomato or olive as the tree topper.
- Arrange and garnish:
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with parsley or dill sprigs for a festive look. Serve immediately.
Save These sandwiches always bring smiles at family gatherings and make holiday prep more enjoyable.
Required Tools
Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter Small mixing bowl Spreading knife Cocktail sticks
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (bread) dairy (butter cheese) and pork (ham). Mustard is a potential allergen. For allergen-free options use gluten-free bread dairy-free cheese and vegetarian fillings. Always check ingredient labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories 130 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save Enjoy these adorable mini sandwiches fresh for the best flavor and presentation.
Common recipe questions
- → Can I make these mini sandwiches vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ham with thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red pepper for a delicious vegetarian alternative without compromising flavor.
- → What bread types work best for this sandwich?
Soft white sandwich bread works well, but whole grain or rye bread can add extra flavor and color to the presentation.
- → How do I shape the sandwiches into Christmas trees?
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut the stacked sandwiches into festive shapes, making them fun and visually appealing.
- → What is the role of the herbed butter in the sandwiches?
The herbed butter, mixed with chives and Dijon mustard, adds moisture and a savory, slightly tangy layer that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
- → How can I enhance presentation for holiday gatherings?
Top each mini sandwich with a cherry tomato or pimento-stuffed olive as a tree topper, and garnish the platter with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive look.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
Yes, these contain gluten, dairy, pork, and mustard. Gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese can be used for allergen-sensitive guests.