If you’re looking to add some festive cheer to your holiday snacks, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe. I first stumbled upon this idea a few Christmases ago, and it quickly became a go-to at every family gathering. These miniature sandwiches are cute, tasty, and fun to make—perfect for kids and adults alike. Stick with me here, because I’ll share exactly how to make them perfectly every single time, along with my favorite tips to make your batch stand out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun Presentation: The Christmas tree shape makes these sandwiches instantly charming and perfect for holiday parties.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You’ll have these ready in about 10 minutes, making them a no-stress festive snack.
- Customizable Flavors: Swap out the cheese and ham for your favorites to make it your own.
- Kid-Approved: My kids go wild for these, and it’s a great way to get them excited about holiday snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. I always make sure to use thinly sliced bread because it cuts better into those cute little trees without falling apart. Also, picking your favorite cheese and deli meat gives it that personalized touch that makes each bite a winner.
- Bread: Crustless and thinly sliced works best—white, wholegrain, or any favorite bread; remove crusts if needed for neat shapes.
- Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese like cheddar or gouda; I love how cheddar adds a bit of sharpness.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced ham is ideal; if it’s super thin, doubling up helps with flavor and structure.
- Mayonnaise: Adds that creamy, tangy layer—spread evenly to keep sandwiches moist.
- Mustard (Optional): Just a touch can brighten flavors; I usually keep it on the side for picky eaters.
Variations
I love playing around with this Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe, especially during different parts of the holidays. It’s super easy to swap fillings or dressings to keep things exciting for my family and guests alike.
- Vegetarian Option: I sometimes swap ham for sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or even roasted red pepper for a fresh twist.
- Different Cheeses: Swiss or mozzarella also work beautifully, and switching the cheese changes the whole vibe.
- Flavored Spreads: Try pesto mayo or a honey mustard spread for some extra zing.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and check your deli meat ingredients to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive loved ones.
How to Make Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Spread and Layer
Start by gently spreading mayonnaise on 8 slices of your crustless bread. This not only adds flavor but helps keep your sandwich moist—just the right amount! Then, carefully layer a slice of cheese and a slice of ham on top of each. If your ham slices are really thin, I recommend doubling up for that perfect taste and structure.
Step 2: Add Optional Mustard and Close the Sandwich
If you’re using mustard, spread a small amount over the ham layers to bring a little extra flavor punch. No shame if you skip it—my family is split on this one! Then, cover each one with a second slice of bread, pressing gently so everything sticks together nicely without squashing the sandwich.
Step 3: Cut Out Christmas Trees
This is the fun part! Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut two festive trees out of each sandwich. I’ve found this works best when the sandwich is a little firm but not cold out of the fridge—room temperature sandwiches give the cleanest cuts. Any leftover bread trimmings can be saved for breadcrumbs or eaten as a snack (no waste, yay!).
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe
- Use Thinly Sliced Bread: It cuts cleaner and holds fillings better when shaped into trees.
- Don’t Overfill: A modest layer of cheese and ham keeps sandwiches neat and easy to cut.
- Press Gently: When assembling, press just enough to hold layers together without squishing the bread.
- Cut at Room Temperature: Sandwiches are easier to cut when they’re not too cold or too warm to avoid tearing.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a few tiny festive touches to my Christmas Tree Sandwiches. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives makes the green pop, and a few pomegranate seeds on the side echo those lovely holiday colors. Sometimes, I even use tiny edible gold stars or red pepper flakes for that extra sparkle when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these mini sandwiches with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a crisp winter salad for a balanced holiday snack or light meal. I also enjoy serving them alongside some crunchy veggie sticks and a festive cheese platter for variety and color on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to arrange these Christmas tree sandwiches on a platter lined with pine branches or evergreen sprigs to keep the theme. Another fun idea I tried was stacking them on tiered cake stands to create a sandwich “tree” centerpiece that guests couldn’t resist reaching for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely lasts long in my house), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. I keep them refrigerated and find they stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Just avoid any wet ingredients that could sog the bread.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite for this recipe because the texture changes, but if you need to, freeze uncut sandwiches on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to freezer bags. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge and slice with your cutter after thawing to keep the shapes intact.
Reheating
Since these sandwiches are best served cold or at room temperature, I skip reheating. But if you must, a quick zap in a toaster oven for 1-2 minutes can warm the cheese slightly without drying the bread.
FAQs
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Can I use other fillings besides ham and cheese for this Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can swap in turkey, roast beef, or even go vegetarian with cucumber, cream cheese, or avocado slices. Just choose fillings that aren’t too runny to keep the sandwiches neat and easy to cut.
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What’s the best bread to use for Christmas Tree Sandwiches?
I recommend thin, soft white or wholegrain bread with the crusts removed for the cleanest cuts and best texture. If you only have bread with crusts, don’t worry—just trim them off before assembling.
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Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble and cut them a few hours ahead, then store them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the tastiest results.
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How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter on the bread acts as a moisture barrier, helping to keep the bread from becoming soggy when layered with deli meats and cheese.
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What kind of cookie cutter should I use?
Look for a sturdy Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter around 3-4 inches tall. Metal cutters tend to give cleaner cuts, but plastic can work fine—just press firmly and evenly for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it makes holiday snacking so joyful and approachable. Every year, it’s a little tradition to gather around the kitchen with my kids, cutting out those tiny trees and watching their faces light up when they see the finished platter. I promise you, once you try making these festive little sandwiches, you’ll be reaching for that cookie cutter every holiday season too. Give it a try—and let me know how they turn out!
Print
Christmas Tree Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Tree Sandwiches are a fun and simple holiday appetizer made with classic deli ingredients. Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, slices of ham and cheese are sandwiched between mayonnaise-spread bread, then cut into adorable holiday tree shapes, perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacks.
Ingredients
Bread and Spreads
- 16 slices crustless bread (white or wholegrain, thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or to your liking)
- Mustard (optional, as desired)
Fillings
- 8 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, edam, or your preference)
- 8 slices deli ham (use two slices per sandwich if ham is very thin)
Instructions
- Spread Mayonnaise: Lay out 8 slices of bread and spread mayonnaise evenly over each slice to add moisture and flavor.
- Add Cheese and Ham: Place one slice of cheese on each mayonnaise-spread bread slice, then top with a slice of deli ham. If ham is thinly sliced, use two slices per sandwich for better texture and flavor.
- Optional Mustard: Spread a thin layer of mustard over the ham slices if you like, adding a tangy kick to your sandwiches.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Cover each layered bread slice with another slice of bread, pressing gently to secure.
- Cut into Trees: Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, press down to cut out two Christmas tree shapes from each sandwich, creating festive bite-sized treats perfect for holiday gatherings.
Notes
- You can use bread with crust and remove it yourself; white bread can be substituted with wholegrain bread. Ensure bread is thinly sliced for best results.
- Choose any cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, edam, etc.—to match your taste preference.
- If the ham is sliced too thin, use two slices per sandwich to maintain a balanced flavor and texture.
- Mustard is optional and can be omitted if preferred or replaced with other condiments.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
