If you’re looking for something festive, quick, and utterly delightful to serve this holiday season, this Easy Christmas Tree Sandwiches Idea will be your new favorite. These tiny tree-shaped bites make perfect Christmas Eve Party Appetizers or a fun addition to your Christmas Finger Food Menu. They’re colorful, customizable, and simple enough for kids to help assemble. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or preparing Christmas Snack Ideas For Adults, these sandwiches bring both charm and cheer to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re festive and fun to make with family or friends.
- No cooking require just assemble and serve.
- Perfect for both kids and adults at any holiday gathering.
- Easily customizable with your favorite sandwich fillings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these little trees to life:
- Soft white or wheat bread: Choose a type that’s easy to cut with cookie cutters.
- Cream cheese or hummus: Acts as the base spread and helps everything stick together.
- Spinach or basil leaves: Adds that beautiful green “tree” color and a fresh bite.
- Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers: For ornaments—bright pops of red and yellow make them festive.
- Cheddar cheese stars: Use a small star cutter to make the “tree topper.”
- Toothpicks or small pretzel sticks: For the tree “trunk.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Bread
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your bread slices. You can lightly toast them if you prefer a sturdier base.
Step 2: Spread the Base
Evenly spread cream cheese or hummus over each bread tree. This acts as your “glue” and adds creamy flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Greens
Top each sandwich with spinach or basil leaves to create that tree look. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect it’s part of the charm.
Step 4: Add the Ornaments
Decorate with small pieces of cherry tomato and bell pepper as ornaments. Kids love this part, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies for a Christmas Veggie Cups-style snack.
Step 5: Add the Star and Trunk
Finish with a cheddar cheese star on top and insert a pretzel stick at the bottom for the trunk. Serve on a large platter and enjoy!
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 8 hours before serving.
- Try different spreads like pesto or avocado for a colorful twist.
- Add a touch of smoked salmon or turkey slices for a savory option great for Christmas Aperitif Food or elegant Christmas Eve Entree Ideas.
- Serve alongside easy desserts like my Easy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats or Paula Deen Chocolate Banana Pudding Recipe for a balanced holiday spread.
Serving & Storage
These Christmas tree sandwiches are best served on a large wooden board or tray, surrounded by other Christmas Food To Share like cheese cubes, olives, and mini crackers. They’re a show-stopper at any holiday potluck or buffet.
To store, cover the tray with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated for up to 1 day. Avoid stacking to keep decorations intact. If making ahead, wait to add the pretzel trunks until just before serving to keep them crisp.
Easy Christmas Tree Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut the bread slices into tree shapes. Toast lightly if desired.
- Spread cream cheese or hummus evenly on each tree-shaped slice.
- Layer spinach or basil leaves over the spread to create a green tree effect.
- Decorate with small pieces of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to mimic ornaments.
- Add a cheddar cheese star on top and insert a pretzel stick at the bottom for the trunk. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To make these ahead of time, prepare and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 8 hours.
- Add pretzel trunks and cheese stars just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these sandwiches the night before?
Yes, you can! Prepare the sandwiches and refrigerate them in a sealed container. Add the pretzel trunks and cheese stars right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp. This makes them perfect for Traditional Christmas Snacks that don’t require last-minute work.
What are the best fillings for Christmas tree sandwiches?
Try cream cheese with cucumber for a light bite, or turkey and cranberry for a festive flavor. You can even make a platter of mixed flavors so everyone gets a surprise. These work well as part of your Christmas Finger Food Menu.
Can these be made vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap in vegan cream cheese or hummus, and use plant-based cheese stars. They’ll fit right into a Christmas Veggie Cups or Christmas Snack Ideas For Adults setup.
What can I serve alongside these sandwiches?
They pair beautifully with a warm soup, a fruit platter, or even something sweet like Super Easy Strawberry Banana Cream Pudding. It rounds out your Christmas Food To Share perfectly.
How can I make these sandwiches more festive for a Christmas Eve Party?
Use colorful spreads like beet hummus or spinach pesto, and add little touches like pomegranate seeds or gold sprinkles of edible glitter. They’ll shine on your Christmas Eve Party Appetizers table and make your guests smile.
Final Thoughts from Ama
These Easy Christmas Tree Sandwiches aren’t just adorable they remind me of the simple joy of gathering around the kitchen table with my kids, each of us decorating our own little trees. Whether you serve them at a cozy family lunch or a lively holiday open house, they bring a touch of handmade happiness to your home. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about togetherness. Merry Christmas, from my kitchen to yours.
Simple food, big heart.