Save Pin 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 always brings a smile to my family's faces during summer get-togethers.
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 Pin This recipe has been a hit at every family picnic and children's party we've hosted.
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 Pin This starfish snack spread is a delightful and easy addition to any summer menu
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the starfish shapes?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes from sandwich bread slices. This gives the platter a playful ocean-inspired look.
- → Can I make this platter vegan?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and choose plant-based fillings to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What fillings work best inside the sandwiches?
Try cream cheese or hummus with jam, nut butter, or deli meats. Adding thin cucumber slices or grated carrot adds crunch.
- → How should I arrange the platter?
Place star-shaped sandwiches center stage, surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables, then add crunchy snacks and dip bowls for a balanced display.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
The platter contains wheat, dairy, nuts (if using nut butter), and soy (in some deli meats or dips). Always check ingredient labels carefully.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sandwiches and chill them briefly before serving to keep textures intact.