Save A playful and creative lunch platter featuring assorted sandwiches arranged to look like train cars running along edible tracks&mdashperfect for delighting kids and encouraging healthy eating.
I enjoy making this train track sandwich board because it sparks creativity and makes lunchtime exciting for the whole family.
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 My family always gathers around smiling when the train is ready to be served it creates memorable moments.
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 This train track sandwich board will impress guests and make lunch time more fun for kids.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I create the train tracks for the platter?
Use celery stalks placed parallel as rails and lay pretzel sticks across them at intervals to act as cross-ties, forming edible tracks.
- → What fillings work best for the sandwich train cars?
Try combinations like cream cheese with cucumber, peanut butter with jam, or cheddar with turkey or ham; these bring variety and color.
- → How can I make this platter nut-free?
Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or other nut-free spreads to keep it safe for those with allergies.
- → What vegetables enhance the train engine design?
Slices of red and yellow bell peppers create vibrant engine details and windows, adding visual appeal and freshness.
- → Can this plating be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread slices without compromising the train shape or presentation.
- → How to prevent small veggies from becoming choking hazards?
Supervise children while eating, and consider slicing or softening small hard veggies like carrots for safety.