Mini Ham Cheese Towers

Featured in: Fresh Feasts

These festive mini stacks combine soft white bread with savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese, accented by a flavorful herbed butter spread. Cut into playful Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter, they make a charming appetizer for holiday gatherings. Garnished with cherry tomatoes or olives and fresh herbs, they offer a delightful balance of taste and visual appeal. Vegetarian variations using cucumber or roasted red pepper add versatility, while simple preparation and quick assembly make them ideal for any festive occasion.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:05:00 GMT
Festive Mini Sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers on a holiday platter ready to serve. Save
Festive Mini Sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers on a holiday platter ready to serve. | oventhyme.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.

This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing smiles and hungry requests for seconds every year.

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.
Stack of delectable mini sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers with red tomato toppers and herbs. Save
Stack of delectable mini sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers with red tomato toppers and herbs. | oventhyme.com

My family gathers around the table enjoying these little sandwiches, sharing laughter and holiday cheer that lasts long after the treats are gone.

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

Calories 130, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 6 g per serving

Cheesy, savory mini sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers cut for a fun holiday appetizer. Save
Cheesy, savory mini sandwiches: Ham and cheese Christmas tree towers cut for a fun holiday appetizer. | oventhyme.com

These mini Christmas tree sandwiches bring festive charm and tasty bites to any holiday gathering.

Kitchen Guide

What type of bread works best?

Soft white sandwich bread with crusts removed is ideal for easy cutting and layering, but whole grain or rye adds extra flavor.

Can I substitute the ham for a vegetarian option?

Yes, thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red pepper works well as flavorful vegetarian alternatives.

How do I create the Christmas tree shapes?

Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to neatly cut the sandwiches into festive shapes.

What is the purpose of the herbed butter?

The herbed butter, mixed with chives and Dijon mustard, adds a flavorful layer that enhances the overall taste.

How should these mini stacks be served?

Arrange on a platter, secure each stack with a cocktail stick topped by a cherry tomato or olive, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a festive touch.

Are there allergen concerns to consider?

They contain gluten, dairy, pork, and mustard. Substitute gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese for allergen-free adaptations.

Mini Ham Cheese Towers

Festive stacks of ham, cheese, and herbed butter on soft bread, cut into charming holiday shapes.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements 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, as preferred
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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Herbed Butter: Combine softened butter, chopped chives, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until thoroughly mixed.

Phase 02

Butter Bread Slices: Spread the herbed butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.

Phase 03

Assemble Sandwiches: On six buttered bread slices, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, then cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side down.

Phase 04

Cut into Shapes: Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut each sandwich into tree shapes, preserving scraps for another use.

Phase 05

Secure and Garnish: Pierce each mini sandwich stack with a cocktail stick and top with a cherry tomato or olive.

Phase 06

Present: Arrange the assembled trees on a platter and garnish with parsley or dill sprigs. Serve immediately.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from bread, dairy from butter and cheese, and pork from ham.
  • Mustard is a recognized allergen.
  • Use gluten-free bread, dairy-free cheese, and vegetarian fillings for allergen-free adaptations.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 6 g