Pin A whimsical and hearty platter featuring playful, elephant-shaped sandwiches, perfect for childrens parties or circus-themed gatherings.
This fun platter was a hit at my last childrens party and was so easy to prepare that I made it again for a circus-themed family picnic.
Ingredients
- Bread and Fillings: 16 slices whole wheat sandwich bread, 8 slices turkey breast or vegetarian deli slices, 8 slices cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- Vegetables and Decoration: 1 cucumber thinly sliced, 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced, 16 black olives (for eyes), 1 large carrot cut into thin sticks
- Optional Sides: 2 cups baby carrots, 2 cups grapes, 2 cups popcorn
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using an elephant-shaped cookie cutter cut each slice of bread into elephant shapes (reserve scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons)
- Step 2:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and mustard on half the bread slices
- Step 3:
- Layer turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese on top
- Step 4:
- Add cucumber and red bell pepper slices for crunch and color
- Step 5:
- Top with remaining elephant-shaped bread slices to form sandwiches
- Step 6:
- Place two olive halves on each sandwich for eyes use a dab of mayonnaise to adhere if needed
- Step 7:
- Use a carrot stick to form a trunk for each elephant by gently pressing into the sandwich front
- Step 8:
- Arrange sandwiches on a large board or platter
- Step 9:
- Fill remaining space with baby carrots grapes and popcorn for a festive edible display
Pin My family loves gathering around this platter especially when we reminisce about trips to the circus and share laughs over the playful shapes.
Required Tools
Elephant-shaped cookie cutter Large serving board or platter Small knife Spreading knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bread) dairy (cheese) eggs (mayonnaise) and possibly soy (deli slices) May contain traces of gluten and nuts depending on bread and deli choices Always check ingredient labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 10 g per serving
Pin This platter is sure to wow guests with its creativity and taste perfect for any kid-friendly event.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the sandwiches vegetarian?
Simply replace the turkey with roasted vegetables, hummus, or vegetarian deli slices to keep the flavors vibrant and suitable for vegetarian diets.
- → What tools are needed to shape the sandwiches?
An elephant-shaped cookie cutter is essential for creating the fun sandwich shapes; a spreading knife helps with applying condiments evenly.
- → How to keep the vegetable decorations fresh and crisp?
Slice cucumbers and bell peppers just before assembling and keep all vegetables chilled until serving to maintain their crunch and color.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving to prevent bread from becoming soggy and to preserve the fresh appearance of decorations.
- → What sides complement the sandwich board well?
Baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn fill empty spaces on the board, adding variety and a colorful, festive presentation that's perfect for parties.