Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

Featured in: Soft Weekend Treats

This vibrant platter presents playful sandwiches cut into elephant shapes using whole wheat bread and layered with turkey or vegetarian deli slices, cheddar cheese, and a spread of mayonnaise and mustard. Fresh cucumber and red bell pepper add crunch and color, while olives create charming eyes. Carrot sticks form trunks, completing the whimsical look. Arranged on a large board with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn, this easy-to-prepare snack is perfect for children’s parties or themed gatherings.

Adaptable for vegetarian diets by swapping turkey for roasted vegetables or hummus, the board offers a balanced mix of textures and flavors. This no-cook, visually engaging dish brings fun and flavor together with simple ingredients and creative presentation.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:48:00 GMT
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, a fun, kid-friendly snack platter with olives and carrot trunks. Save
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, a fun, kid-friendly snack platter with olives and carrot trunks. | rosewoodoven.com

A whimsical and hearty platter featuring playful, elephant-shaped sandwiches, perfect for childrens parties or circus-themed gatherings.

This fun platter was a hit at our last birthday party, sparking smiles and happy appetites all around.

Ingredients

  • Bread and Fillings: 16 slices whole wheat sandwich bread, 8 slices turkey breast or vegetarian deli slices, 8 slices cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • Vegetables and Decoration: 1 cucumber thinly sliced, 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced, 16 black olives (for eyes), 1 large carrot cut into thin sticks
  • Optional Sides: 2 cups baby carrots, 2 cups grapes, 2 cups popcorn

Instructions

Step 1:
Using an elephant-shaped cookie cutter cut each slice of bread into elephant shapes (reserve scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons)
Step 2:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and mustard on half the bread slices
Step 3:
Layer turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese on top
Step 4:
Add cucumber and red bell pepper slices for crunch and color
Step 5:
Top with remaining elephant-shaped bread slices to form sandwiches
Step 6:
Place two olive halves on each sandwich for eyes use a dab of mayonnaise to adhere if needed
Step 7:
Use a carrot stick to form a trunk for each elephant by gently pressing into the sandwich front
Step 8:
Arrange sandwiches on a large board or platter
Step 9:
Fill remaining space with baby carrots grapes and popcorn for a festive edible display
Brightly arranged Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, featuring colorful veggies and cheese, perfect for a party. Save
Brightly arranged Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, featuring colorful veggies and cheese, perfect for a party. | rosewoodoven.com

This is a wonderful recipe to make with kids and watch their faces light up when they see the elephant shapes.

Required Tools

Elephant-shaped cookie cutter Large serving board or platter Small knife Spreading knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (bread) dairy (cheese) eggs (mayonnaise) and possibly soy (deli slices) May contain traces of gluten and nuts depending on bread and deli choices Always check ingredient labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 220 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 10 g per serving

Close-up of a whimsical Big Top Elephant Sandwich board, showcasing creative elephant sandwich designs. Save
Close-up of a whimsical Big Top Elephant Sandwich board, showcasing creative elephant sandwich designs. | rosewoodoven.com

This recipe brings joy with every bite, perfect for memorable gatherings and happy tummies.

Recipe Q&A Section

How can I make this platter vegetarian?

Replace turkey slices with roasted vegetables or hummus to keep the sandwich flavorful while maintaining a vegetarian option.

What is the best way to cut the elephant shapes?

Use an elephant-shaped cookie cutter on sandwich bread slices for uniform shapes; save scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons.

How do I keep the olive eyes in place?

Attach each half olive eye with a small dab of mayonnaise to ensure they stay securely on the sandwiches.

Can different fillings be used?

Absolutely. Swap turkey and cheese with other deli meats, cheeses, or vegetarian options like hummus or roasted veggies to vary flavors.

What sides complement this sandwich board?

Baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn add color and texture, completing the festive, child-friendly presentation.

Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

A fun sandwich board with elephant shapes, layered fillings, and fresh veggies arranged for a festive presentation.

Time to Prepare
25 min
0
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Clara Whitmore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serving Size 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meatless

What's Needed

Bread and Fillings

01 16 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
02 8 slices turkey breast or vegetarian deli slices
03 8 slices cheddar cheese
04 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
05 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Vegetables and Decoration

01 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
02 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 16 black olives (for eyes)
04 1 large carrot, cut into thin sticks

Optional Sides

01 2 cups baby carrots
02 2 cups grapes
03 2 cups popcorn

How To Make It

Step 01

Cut elephant shapes: Use an elephant-shaped cookie cutter to cut each bread slice into elephant shapes, reserving scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons.

Step 02

Spread condiments: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and yellow mustard on half of the elephant-shaped bread slices.

Step 03

Layer fillings: Place turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese on top of the bread with condiments.

Step 04

Add vegetables: Arrange cucumber and red bell pepper slices over the fillings for texture and color.

Step 05

Assemble sandwiches: Top with the remaining elephant-shaped bread slices to complete the sandwiches.

Step 06

Create eyes: Place two olive halves on each sandwich as eyes, securing with a small dab of mayonnaise if needed.

Step 07

Form trunks: Use a carrot stick to form an elephant trunk by gently pressing it into the front of each sandwich.

Step 08

Arrange platter: Arrange sandwiches on a large serving board or platter in an appealing display.

Step 09

Add sides: Fill remaining spaces on the platter with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn to complete the presentation.

Essential Tools

  • Elephant-shaped cookie cutter
  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small knife
  • Spreading knife

Allergy Warnings

Look over every ingredient for possible allergens and check with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, eggs, and possibly soy; may contain gluten and nuts depending on ingredients.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional numbers are simply a guide and shouldn't replace professional nutrition advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 220
  • Lipids: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 10 g