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 was a hit at our family picnic, with everyone excited to 'drive' their sandwiches along the tracks before eating.
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:
- Serve immediately, letting kids drive their train cars along the tracks before eating.
Pin it Our family loves how this meal turns lunchtime into a playful experience and encourages everyone to try new veggies.
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 approximately 310 per serving. Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 42 g, Protein 10 g.
Pin it Enjoy creating this imaginative and tasty train-themed lunch that kids and adults will both love!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the sandwich board nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and ensure all other ingredients are nut-free to accommodate allergies.
- → What alternatives can I use for gluten-free needs?
Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread options to maintain the structure and texture of the sandwiches.
- → Can the sandwich fillings be customized?
Yes, swap or add fillings like vegan cheese, deli meats, or fruit spreads to suit preferences and dietary restrictions.
- → How do the pretzel sticks and celery create the tracks?
Celery stalks are laid parallel to mimic rails, while pretzel sticks are placed across them at intervals to resemble the cross-ties of a railroad track.
- → What vegetables are used for decorating the train?
Cucumber slices and cherry tomato halves form the wheels, while bell pepper slices add details like the engine and windows, enhancing the playful look.
- → Is any cooking required for this lunch board?
No cooking is needed; all components are assembled fresh and ready to serve in about 20 minutes.