Pin it Delightfully fresh and visually charming, these whimsical finger sandwiches layer cool cucumber and herbed cream cheese in a festive tree shape—perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or kid-friendly gatherings.
These sandwiches are a hit at my family gatherings especially with kids who love the festive tree shape and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
- Cream Cheese Mixture: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped 1 tsp lemon zest 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetables: 1 large English cucumber thinly sliced into rounds
- Garnishes (optional): Red bell pepper diced (for tree ornaments) Fresh dill fronds or chives (for tree trunks or branches)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl mix the cream cheese chives dill lemon zest salt and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Step 2:
- Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter cut tree shapes out of each bread slice (save scraps for breadcrumbs).
- Step 3:
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto each bread tree.
- Step 4:
- Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers to mimic tree branches.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chive pieces as tree trunks or extra greenery.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Pin it These sandwiches bring joy to family gatherings especially when everyone helps assemble the trees.
Required Tools
Tree-shaped cookie cutter (approx 3 4 inches tall) Small mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Sharp knife Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (dairy) Check cream cheese and bread labels for additional allergens if necessary.
Nutritional Information
Calories 110 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 3 g per sandwich
Pin it Enjoy these delightful sandwich trees fresh for best taste and presentation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these stacks?
Soft sandwich bread, either white or whole wheat, is ideal as it cuts cleanly and supports the layers well.
- → How can I shape the bread into trees?
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter about 3 to 4 inches tall to create festive, uniform bread pieces.
- → Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, mixing the cream cheese with fresh herbs and lemon zest ahead allows flavors to meld, enhancing taste.
- → What alternatives can I use for garnish decorations?
Diced red bell pepper simulates ornaments, while dill fronds or chives create a natural, branching look.
- → Are there any substitutions for dietary preferences?
Plant-based cream cheese can replace dairy-based for a vegan-friendly option without compromising flavor.