Ham Cheese Christmas Tree

Featured in: Fresh & Natural Everyday Plates

These delightful holiday stacks combine soft white bread layered with savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese, enhanced by a herbed butter spread. Cut into Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter, each mini tower is topped with a cherry tomato or olive for festive appeal. Quick to prepare with no cooking needed, these appetizers bring a fun and delicious touch to any holiday gathering. Variations include vegetarian substitutions and flavor options to suit any preference.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:08:00 GMT
Festive Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, layered with savory ham and cheese, ready to be enjoyed! Pin It
Festive Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, layered with savory ham and cheese, ready to be enjoyed! | cedaroven.com

Festive mini sandwiches stacked and cut into whimsical Christmas tree shapes, perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft bread, savory ham, creamy cheese, and a touch of herbed butter make these treats both fun and delicious.

I love making these mini sandwiches for Christmas parties because they bring smiles and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
  • Filling: 6 slices cooked ham
  • Filling: 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, as preferred)
  • Filling: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Filling: 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Filling: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Garnish: 12 small cherry tomatoes or pimento-stuffed olives (for tree toppers)
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley or dill sprigs (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1:
Mix the softened butter, chopped chives, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 2:
Lay out the bread slices and spread the herbed butter thinly on one side of each slice.
Step 3:
On six slices, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down, to form sandwiches.
Step 4:
Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut each sandwich into tree shapes, saving the scraps for another use.
Step 5:
Secure each mini sandwich stack with a cocktail stick. Top with a cherry tomato or olive as the tree topper.
Step 6:
Arrange on a platter and garnish with parsley or dill sprigs for a festive look. Serve immediately.
Mouthwatering, Christmas tree-shaped Mini Sandwiches: Ham and Cheese, starring ham, cheese, and a buttery spread. Pin It
Mouthwatering, Christmas tree-shaped Mini Sandwiches: Ham and Cheese, starring ham, cheese, and a buttery spread. | cedaroven.com

These mini sandwiches are always a family favorite, bringing joy as we prepare and gather to share them during the holidays.

Required Tools

Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, small mixing bowl, spreading knife, cocktail sticks

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (bread), dairy (butter, cheese), and pork (ham). Mustard is a potential allergen. For allergen-free options, use gluten-free bread, dairy-free cheese, and vegetarian fillings.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 130, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 6 g

Beautifully arranged Ham and Cheese Mini Sandwiches, Christmas Tree Towers, perfect for a holiday appetizer platter. Pin It
Beautifully arranged Ham and Cheese Mini Sandwiches, Christmas Tree Towers, perfect for a holiday appetizer platter. | cedaroven.com

These mini Christmas tree sandwiches add a joyful touch to any holiday gathering and are simple to make ahead of time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the Swiss cheese with another type?

Yes, cheddar or any preferred cheese works well, adding different flavor nuances to the stacks.

What is the best bread for these mini stacks?

Soft white sandwich bread is ideal for easy cutting, but whole grain or rye add extra flavor and color.

How do I make this suitable for vegetarians?

Replace the ham with thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red pepper for a fresh vegetarian version.

Can these be prepared ahead of time?

They are best assembled shortly before serving to maintain freshness and the appealing texture of the bread.

Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?

These stacks contain gluten, dairy, pork, and mustard; however, gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives can be used.

What garnish options enhance presentation?

Fresh parsley or dill sprigs add a festive green touch, complementing the Christmas tree theme.

Ham Cheese Christmas Tree

Savory ham and creamy cheese stacks cut into festive Christmas tree shapes, ideal for holiday parties.

Prep Time
20 min
0
Overall Time
20 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Bread

01 12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed

Filling

01 6 slices cooked ham
02 6 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
03 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

01 12 small cherry tomatoes or pimento-stuffed olives
02 Fresh parsley or dill sprigs for decoration

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Herbed Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped chives, and Dijon mustard until fully blended.

Step 02

Butter the Bread: Spread the herbed butter thinly on one side of each bread slice.

Step 03

Assemble Sandwiches: On six buttered sides, layer one slice of ham and one slice of cheese each. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side down, forming sandwiches.

Step 04

Cut into Christmas Tree Shapes: Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut each sandwich into tree shapes, reserving scraps for another use.

Step 05

Secure and Garnish: Insert a cocktail stick through each mini sandwich stack and top with a cherry tomato or olive as the tree topper.

Step 06

Present and Serve: Arrange the mini sandwiches on a platter and decorate with parsley or dill sprigs. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spreading knife
  • Cocktail sticks

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, pork, and mustard allergens. Use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese for allergen-free versions.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 130
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 6 g