Save A playful and creative lunch platter featuring assorted sandwiches arranged to look like train cars running along edible tracks—perfect for delighting kids and encouraging healthy eating.
This platter always brings smiles to my family's lunchtime, turning a simple meal into an interactive activity that kids adore.
Ingredients
- Bread & Sandwich Fillings: 8 slices whole wheat or white sandwich bread, 4 tbsp cream cheese, 4 tbsp peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free), 4 tbsp strawberry jam, 4 slices cheddar cheese, 4 slices turkey or ham (optional)
- Edible Train Tracks & Decorations: 2 large celery stalks (for tracks), 1 cup pretzel sticks (for cross-ties), 16 round cucumber slices (for wheels), 8 cherry tomatoes (halved for wheels), 1 red bell pepper (for train engine details), 1 yellow bell pepper (for train windows), 1 cup baby carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the Sandwiches:
- Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut bread slices into rectangles (train cars) and one larger shape for the engine. Make assorted sandwiches: spread cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jam, cheddar with turkey or ham, or any desired fillings. Assemble and gently press sandwiches together.
- Arrange the Tracks:
- Place celery stalks parallel on a large platter or board to form rails. Lay pretzel sticks across the celery at intervals to create cross-ties.
- Build the Train:
- Place sandwich rectangles on top of the tracks as train cars. Use cucumber rounds and cherry tomato halves as wheels, attaching with a dab of cream cheese if needed. Decorate the engine using bell pepper slices for details and windows.
- Add Extras:
- Place baby carrots, extra cucumber rounds, and additional veggies around the board for snacking and color.
- Serve immediately:
- Letting kids drive their train cars along the tracks before eating.
Save We love gathering around the board with the kids as they help build and enjoy their edible train, creating fun family memories with every bite.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, sharp knife or cookie cutters, spreading knife, small bowls (optional for dips).
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (bread), dairy (cream cheese cheese), and possible nuts (peanut butter). Use nut-free spreads and gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~310, total fat 10 g, carbohydrates 42 g, protein 10 g per serving.
Save Enjoy assembling this whimsical meal that delights both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the sandwiches to look like train cars?
Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut bread into rectangles and a larger shape for the engine. Assemble sandwiches with various fillings before arranging.
- → What ingredients create the edible train tracks?
Celery stalks serve as rails, while pretzel sticks act as cross-ties, forming the tracks for the sandwich cars.
- → How can I make the wheels for the train cars?
Attach round cucumber slices and halved cherry tomatoes to the sandwiches using a small amount of cream cheese to resemble wheels.
- → Can I adapt this lunch board for dietary restrictions?
Yes, substitute fillings like nut-free spreads or vegan cheese, and use gluten-free bread if needed to accommodate different diets.
- → What are some decorative touches to add to the train engine?
Use red and yellow bell pepper slices to create details like the engine’s front and windows, adding visual appeal.
- → How should the platter be served?
Arrange sandwiches on the track setup and add extra veggies like baby carrots around the board for added color and snacks. Serve immediately.