Christmas Tree Cucumber Sandwiches

Festive, fun, and easy Christmas Tree Cucumber Sandwiches made with soft bread, herbed cream cheese, and crisp cucumbers. Perfect for holiday parties!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time30

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas tree cucumber sandwiches

Servings: sandwiches

Equipment

3-inch Christmas tree cookie cutter
tiny star cookie cutter

Ingredients

16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread
1-2 red bell peppers ribs and seeds removed, sliced in half lengthwise
1 English cucumber
8 ounce brick cream cheese room temperature
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon coarse salt
cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Using a 3-inch Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut 2 tree shapes from each slice.
Using a tiny star cookie cutter, cut 32 stars from the bell pepper.
Cut the cucumber into 1/8-inch thin slices using a mandolin or sharp knife, then cut each slice in half.
Make the spread. In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer, blend together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced fresh dill, minced fresh chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and coarse salt.
Spread one side of each tree with the herbed cream cheese.
Arrange the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese in a shingled fashion.
Place bell pepper stars at the top of the cucumbers.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use soft white sandwich bread for the classic tea-sandwich texture. Whole wheat or rustic bread will be firmer and can change the look of the tree shape.
Prevent soggy bread by salting the cucumber slices, letting stand for about 20 minutes, then patting dry before assembling. Also keep the cream cheese spread away from the very edges and serve shortly after assembling.

Nutrition