Save to Pinterest 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.
This recipe became a favorite at our family Christmas parties where the kids loved the tree shapes and grownups enjoyed the savory flavors.
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- Filling: 6 slices cooked ham
- Filling: 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar as preferred)
- Filling: 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- Filling: 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
- Filling: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Garnish: 12 small cherry tomatoes or pimento-stuffed olives (for tree toppers)
- Garnish: 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 sandwiches:
- Secure each mini sandwich stack with a cocktail stick. Top with a cherry tomato or olive as the tree topper.
- Garnish and serve:
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with parsley or dill sprigs for a festive look. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Our family always gathers around the platter, sharing smiles as the little sandwiches disappear quickly at holiday celebrations.
Notes
Serve with a honey mustard dip for extra zing.
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
Save to Pinterest These mini sandwich trees bring festive cheer and ease to your holiday appetizer table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What bread works best for these sandwiches?
Soft white sandwich bread is ideal for easy cutting and layering, but whole grain or rye can add flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the herbed butter spread?
Mix softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh chives and Dijon mustard until smooth and spreadable.
- → Can I substitute the ham for a vegetarian option?
Yes, thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red pepper provide tasty vegetarian alternatives to ham.
- → What is the purpose of the cocktail sticks?
Cocktail sticks keep the stacked sandwich layers secure and also hold the decorative cherry tomato or olive on top.
- → How should these sandwiches be served?
Arrange the mini Christmas tree shapes on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs, and serve immediately for best freshness.
- → Are there allergy considerations to keep in mind?
These include gluten from bread, dairy from butter and cheese, pork from ham, and mustard. Alternatives can be used to accommodate allergies.