Save to Pinterest A whimsical, ocean-inspired snack platter featuring playful starfish-shaped sandwiches, fresh fruits, and crunchy snacks—perfect for summer gatherings or kids parties.
I created this snack spread to bring fun and fresh flavors together for outdoor summer days with family and friends.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- Spread cream cheese (or hummus) on half of the star-shaped bread pieces.
- Step 3:
- Add your preferred filling jam nut butter or deli meat followed by slices of cucumber or grated carrot if desired.
- Step 4:
- Top each with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the starfish sandwiches in the center of a large platter.
- Step 6:
- Surround the sandwiches with halved grapes strawberries baby carrots and cucumber rounds.
- Step 7:
- Add clusters of pretzel twists goldfish crackers and pita chips to represent seaweed and ocean floor.
- Step 8:
- Place dips in small bowls and nestle them among the snacks.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings smiles when enjoyed during family picnics and kids parties under the sun.
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 to Pinterest This starfish snack spread is a fun and fresh way to delight guests with minimal effort.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I make star-shaped sandwiches?
Use a starfish-shaped cookie cutter to press down on bread slices. Fill half with spreads and veggies, then top with another star-shaped bread piece to form sandwiches.
- → Can I adapt the spread for dietary needs?
Yes, swap cream cheese with dairy-free spreads for vegan options, or add deli meats for non-vegetarian preferences.
- → What snacks best complement the starfish sandwiches?
Mini pretzel twists, goldfish crackers, and pita or veggie chips add texture and mimic seaweed and ocean floor elements.
- → How should I serve the platter?
Arrange sandwiches centrally on a large platter, surround with fresh fruits and veggies, add crunchy snacks and include small bowls of dips nestled among the items.
- → What dips pair well with this spread?
Ranch dip, hummus, and fruit yogurt complement the variety of flavors and textures present on the platter.
- → How can I add extra color to the spread?
Include blueberries or melon balls alongside other fresh fruits to enhance visual appeal.