Save 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 quickly became my go-to for summer parties because it combines fun shapes with fresh, healthy ingredients that kids love.
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
- Cut Shapes:
- 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.
- Spread Filling:
- Spread cream cheese (or hummus) on half of the star-shaped bread pieces.
- Add Fillings:
- Add your preferred filling jam, nut butter, or deli meat followed by slices of cucumber or grated carrot if desired.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Top each with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches.
- Arrange Sandwiches:
- Arrange the starfish sandwiches in the center of a large platter.
- Add Fruit and Veggies:
- Surround the sandwiches with halved grapes, strawberries, baby carrots, and cucumber rounds.
- Add Snacks:
- Add clusters of pretzel twists, goldfish crackers, and pita chips to represent seaweed and ocean floor.
- Place Dips:
- Place dips in small bowls and nestle them among the snacks.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Save My family loves gathering around this starfish snack spread on hot summer days sharing laughs and stories.
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 This starfish snack spread is perfect for adding a playful touch to your summer gatherings and can be easily tailored to your family’s tastes.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the star-shaped sandwiches?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes from sandwich bread slices. Spread cream cheese or a preferred filling on half, add toppings like jam or shredded carrot, then top with another star-shaped piece.
- → Can this snack be adapted for vegans?
Yes, swap cream cheese for a dairy-free spread and use plant-based fillings to make it vegan-friendly while maintaining flavor and texture.
- → What snacks complement the star-shaped sandwiches?
Pretzel twists, goldfish-shaped crackers, and pita or veggie chips add crunchy textures reminiscent of the ocean theme.
- → Are there suggestions for adding more color to the platter?
Include blueberries or melon balls alongside the existing fresh fruits and veggies for extra vibrant shades.
- → How should the platter be stored before serving?
Cover and chill the platter if prepared in advance to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp until serving time.