Ham Cheese Christmas Tree

Featured in: Cozy Winter Bakes

These festive stacks combine soft white bread layered with savory ham, creamy Swiss or cheddar cheese, and a flavorful herbed butter made from Dijon mustard and fresh chives. Cut into whimsical Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter, each mini tower is topped with cherry tomatoes or olives and garnished with fresh herbs. Ideal for holiday parties, they offer a fun, easy-to-make option that balances taste and presentation.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:27:00 GMT
Festive Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, layered mini sandwiches cut into holiday shapes, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Festive Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, layered mini sandwiches cut into holiday shapes, ready to enjoy. | frostkettle.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 quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings; the kids especially love the creative tree shapes and the delicious ham and cheese filling.

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.
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| frostkettle.com

Making these sandwiches has brought so much joy to our family, especially as we gather around during the holiday season creating and enjoying festive treats together.

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 per serving, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 6 g

Stacked Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, topped with a cherry tomato, ideal holiday appetizers and easy to make. Save to Pinterest
Stacked Ham and Cheese Christmas Tree Towers, topped with a cherry tomato, ideal holiday appetizers and easy to make. | frostkettle.com

These mini sandwich towers make a perfect festive appetizer, combining fun presentation with delicious flavors that will impress your guests.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute the ham for a vegetarian option?

Yes, you can replace ham with thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red pepper to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

What types of cheese work best in this dish?

Swiss cheese provides a mild, creamy flavor, but cheddar can be used for a sharper taste, depending on preference.

How do I keep the mini stacks from falling apart?

Using cocktail sticks to secure each sandwich helps maintain the layered shape and holds the tree toppers firmly in place.

Can I use different bread varieties?

Absolutely, whole grain or rye bread add flavor and color, while gluten-free options can accommodate dietary needs.

Is there a recommended dipping sauce?

A honey mustard dip pairs well, complementing the savory fillings with a hint of sweetness and tang.

Ham Cheese Christmas Tree

Soft bread stacked with ham, cheese, and herbed butter cut into festive Christmas tree shapes.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Serving Size

Dietary Information None specified

What You Need

Bread

01 12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed

Filling

01 6 slices cooked ham
02 6 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar
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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare herbed butter: Combine softened butter, chopped chives, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Assemble sandwiches: On six bread slices, place one slice of ham and a slice of cheese each. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side down, to form 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 to hold each mini sandwich stack. Place a cherry tomato or olive on top as the tree topper.

Step 06

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten from bread
  • Contains dairy from butter and cheese
  • Contains pork from ham
  • Mustard may trigger allergies

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 130
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 6 g