Save 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.
Save These tree stacks combine the crunch of cucumber with a smooth, herbed cream cheese spread, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. Their appealing shape makes them a standout on any appetizer tray.
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
- 1. Mix the herbed cream cheese
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- 2. Cut bread into tree shapes
- Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut tree shapes out of each bread slice (save scraps for breadcrumbs).
- 3. Spread cream cheese
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto each bread tree.
- 4. Arrange cucumbers
- Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers to mimic tree branches.
- 5. Garnish
- Garnish with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chive pieces as tree trunks or extra greenery.
- 6. Serve or refrigerate
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a more colorful presentation, consider using whole grain bread to add texture and a warm color tone. Make sure the cucumber slices are thin to ensure easy stacking and a delicate bite.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute fresh herbs to suit your taste, such as parsley, basil, or mint. For a vegan option, swap cream cheese for a plant-based alternative without changing any other ingredients.
Serviervorschläge
These stacks pair wonderfully with sparkling water or a light white wine, making them a perfect, fresh appetizer for any casual or festive occasion.
Save With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cucumber and cream cheese tree stacks make an elegant yet easy choice for your next gathering. Enjoy the freshness and creativity they bring to the table!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the tree shape for these stacks?
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes out of sandwich bread slices, reserving the scraps for breadcrumbs or other uses.
- → Can I substitute the herbs in the cheese mixture?
Yes, fresh parsley, basil, or mint can be used instead of chives and dill for varied flavors.
- → What bread works best for these stacks?
White or whole wheat sandwich bread works well; whole grain adds nutrition and color contrast.
- → Are there any suggestions for garnishing?
Diced red bell pepper mimics ornaments, while fresh dill fronds or chive pieces serve as decorative greenery or trunks.
- → How long can these stacks be stored before serving?
They can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 hours to keep fresh before serving.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the cream cheese mixture?
Yes, plant-based cream cheese can be used in place of dairy cream cheese for a vegan option.