Snowman Mini Bagel Sandwiches

Featured in: Lunchbox Lift

These charming mini bagel sandwiches transform ordinary ingredients into festive snowman faces, perfect for holiday gatherings. Using softened cream cheese as a base, the bagels are layered optionally with cheese, deli slices, and lettuce, then adorned with olive eyes, carrot noses, and peppercorn smiles. Cucumber and red pepper strips create colorful scarves, making each sandwich a delightful, customizable bite. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, they are ideal for easy snacking or lunch, especially during winter celebrations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT
Snowman mini bagel sandwiches with smiling faces, a fun and festive holiday lunch idea. Save
Snowman mini bagel sandwiches with smiling faces, a fun and festive holiday lunch idea. | cheerfulchefs.com

Adorable mini bagel sandwiches decorated as snowmen&mdashperfect for a festive holiday lunch. These fun, customizable sandwiches are ideal for kids and adults alike.

I first made these snowman mini bagel sandwiches for a holiday party and they were a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

  • 8 mini bagels: sliced in half
  • 180 g (6 oz) cream cheese: softened (plain or flavored)
  • 16 small black olives: sliced (for eyes and buttons)
  • 8 baby carrots: cut into thin strips (for noses)
  • 16 thin cucumber rounds: (for scarves)
  • 8 red bell pepper strips: (for scarves or hats)
  • 16 capers or black peppercorns: (for mouth)
  • 2 tablespoons chives: finely chopped (optional, for extra decoration)
  • 8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese: optional fillings
  • 8 slices turkey, ham, or vegetarian deli slices: optional fillings
  • Lettuce leaves: optional fillings

Instructions

Step 1:
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on the bottom half of each mini bagel.
Step 2:
If desired, layer with cheese, deli slices, and lettuce. Top with the other half of the bagel.
Step 3:
Place each assembled bagel sandwich cut-side up (flat side up).
Step 4:
Decorate the top surface to look like a snowman face: Place two olive slices for eyes. Add a carrot strip for the nose. Arrange capers or peppercorns in a smile shape for the mouth. Use cucumber rounds and red pepper strips to create a scarf just below the face. Sprinkle with chives for a festive touch, if desired.
Step 5:
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
These adorable snowman mini bagel sandwiches are decorated with colorful veggie scarves and carrot noses. Save
These adorable snowman mini bagel sandwiches are decorated with colorful veggie scarves and carrot noses. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe always brings smiles when I prepare it for my family holiday lunches.

Notes

For a sweet version, swap cream cheese for whipped cream cheese with honey and use fruit for decoration.

Required Tools

Serrated knife, spreading knife, small paring knife (for cutting vegetables), cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 4 g (per sandwich without optional fillings)

A close-up of delicious snowman mini bagel sandwiches, ready to eat for a playful, kid-friendly snack. Save
A close-up of delicious snowman mini bagel sandwiches, ready to eat for a playful, kid-friendly snack. | cheerfulchefs.com

These snowman bagel sandwiches add a fun and festive touch to any holiday gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bagels work best for these sandwiches?

Mini bagels sliced in half work best, offering a perfect size for individual servings and easy decoration.

Can I substitute cream cheese with other spreads?

Yes, whipped cream cheese with honey adds sweetness, and other soft spreads can be tried for different flavors.

How can I make these sandwiches suitable for vegetarians?

Use vegetarian cream cheese and skip deli meats or replace them with vegetarian deli slices or extra vegetables.

What are some creative decoration ideas for the snowman faces?

Try sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or colored peppers for varied facial features and scarves to enhance the festive look.

How should I store these sandwiches if not serving immediately?

Cover and refrigerate the assembled sandwiches to keep the ingredients fresh and the decorations intact.

Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?

These contain wheat and dairy; also, processed meats or certain toppings may introduce eggs, soy, or sesame—check labels carefully.

Snowman Mini Bagel Sandwiches

Mini bagels topped with cream cheese and decorated with olives, carrots, and peppers for a playful holiday treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Lunchbox Lift

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Bagels & Spreads

01 8 mini bagels, sliced in half
02 6 oz cream cheese, softened (plain or flavored)

Vegetables & Decoration

01 16 small black olives, sliced (for eyes and buttons)
02 8 baby carrots, cut into thin strips (for noses)
03 16 thin cucumber rounds (for scarves)
04 8 red bell pepper strips (for scarves or hats)
05 16 capers or black peppercorns (for mouth)
06 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped (optional, for extra decoration)

Optional Fillings

01 8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
02 8 slices turkey, ham, or vegetarian deli slices
03 Lettuce leaves

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Spread Cream Cheese: Apply a generous layer of softened cream cheese onto the bottom half of each mini bagel.

Step 02

Layer Fillings: Optionally, add a slice of cheese, deli meat, and lettuce before covering with the top half of the bagel.

Step 03

Position Sandwich: Place each assembled sandwich with the cut side facing up on a flat surface.

Step 04

Decorate Snowman Face: Create snowman faces by positioning two olive slices as eyes, a carrot strip as a nose, and capers or peppercorns shaped into a smile for the mouth. Arrange cucumber rounds and red pepper strips below the face to simulate a scarf. Sprinkle with chives for additional festivity if desired.

Step 05

Serve or Store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Serrated knife
  • Spreading knife
  • Small paring knife
  • Cutting board

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat and milk; may contain eggs, soy, or sesame depending on bagel brand and fillings. Verify labels for allergens, especially in processed meats and spreads.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 140
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams