Save to Pinterest A whimsical, ocean-inspired snack platter featuring playful starfish-shaped sandwiches, fresh fruits, and crunchy snacks—perfect for summer gatherings or kids parties.
This snack spread has always been a hit at our family gatherings, sparking joy and creativity for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Starfish Sandwiches: 12 slices soft sandwich bread, 6 tbsp cream cheese (or hummus), 6 tbsp jam, nut butter, or deli meat (choose preferred fillings), 1 small cucumber thinly sliced, 1 small carrot peeled and grated, 1 starfish-shaped cookie cutter (approx. 3-4 inches wide)
- Fresh Fruit & Veggies: 1 cup seedless grapes halved, 1 cup strawberries hulled and halved, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber rounds
- Crunchy Snacks: 1 cup mini pretzel twists (seaweed), 1 cup goldfish-shaped crackers, 1 cup pita chips or veggie chips
- Dips: 1/2 cup ranch dip or hummus, 1/2 cup fruit yogurt (for fruit)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using the starfish cookie cutter, cut star shapes from the bread slices. You should get one star per slice—save the bread scraps for breadcrumbs or another use.
- Step 2:
- Spread cream cheese (or hummus) on half of the star-shaped bread pieces.
- Step 3:
- Add your preferred filling: jam, nut butter, or deli meat, followed by slices of cucumber or grated carrot if desired.
- Step 4:
- Top each with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the starfish sandwiches in the center of a large platter.
- Step 6:
- Surround the sandwiches with halved grapes, strawberries, baby carrots, and cucumber rounds.
- Step 7:
- Add clusters of pretzel twists, goldfish crackers, and pita chips to represent seaweed and ocean floor.
- Step 8:
- Place dips in small bowls and nestle them among the snacks.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings smiles and fun memories to our family's sunny beach picnics.
Required Tools
Starfish-shaped cookie cutter, Large serving platter, Small bowls (for dips), Sharp knife, Vegetable peeler
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (bread, crackers, pita chips), Dairy (cream cheese, yogurt, ranch dip), Nuts (if using nut butter), Soy (in some deli meats or dips). Always check labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 6 g (per serving estimated)
Save to Pinterest This snack spread is quick to prepare and perfect to brighten any summer gathering with a playful ocean theme.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the starfish shapes?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut star shapes from sandwich bread slices, ensuring uniform pieces.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, try hummus or dairy-free spreads for alternative flavors or dietary preferences.
- → What fillings work best for the sandwiches?
Options include jam, nut butter, deli meat, and fresh veggies like cucumber or grated carrot for added crunch.
- → How should the platter be arranged?
Place star-shaped sandwiches in the center, surrounded by fresh fruits, veggies, and crunchy snacks to evoke an ocean scene.
- → Are there suggestions for making it vegan?
Use dairy-free spreads and skip deli meats, opting for plant-based fillings and dips instead.