Christmassy Sandwich Cake
This savory delight combines festive flavors into a beautifully decorated layered sandwich “cake.” It’s perfect for Christmas brunch, a holiday party, or as a centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich Layers:
- 1 loaf of white or whole wheat sandwich bread (unsliced for layering).
- 1 loaf of rye bread (unsliced).
For the Fillings:
- Cream Cheese Spread:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chicken Salad Filling:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, finely shredded
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (30 g) dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable Layer:
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated carrots
- 1/2 cup (50 g) thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup (50 g) cream cheese spread (from above)
For Decoration:
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) whipped cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or rosemary
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or pomegranate seeds
- Thin slices of smoked salmon or prosciutto (optional).
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Trim the crusts from both loaves of bread.
- Cut each loaf into even, thin slices horizontally. You’ll need about 6-8 slices total for layering.
2. Make the Fillings:
- Cream Cheese Spread: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Chicken Salad: Mix cooked chicken with mayonnaise, dried cranberries, parsley, and seasoning. Adjust the mayonnaise to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Vegetable Layer: Set aside grated carrots and sliced cucumbers; you’ll use cream cheese as the base.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Lay the first slice of white bread on a serving platter. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese spread.
- Add a slice of rye bread on top. Spread the chicken salad filling evenly.
- Continue alternating bread slices, spreading fillings between layers. Use the cream cheese mixture for the vegetable layer and top it with grated carrots and cucumbers.
4. Frost the Cake:
- Once the layers are complete, use whipped cream cheese to “frost” the sandwich cake. Spread it evenly over the top and sides with a spatula.
5. Decorate:
- Create a wreath effect with fresh herbs around the edges of the “cake.”
- Use cherry tomatoes, radish slices, and pomegranate seeds to resemble Christmas ornaments.
- Add smoked salmon or prosciutto for an elegant touch.
6. Chill:
- Refrigerate the sandwich cake for at least 2 hours to set the layers and flavors.
Tips for Success
- Bread Stability: Choose slightly stale bread for better stability during slicing and layering.
- Customization: Swap the chicken salad for a ham or tuna salad filling if preferred.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and decorate the cake a day before serving for easier preparation.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice the sandwich cake as you would a traditional cake. Each layer offers a delightful combination of flavors.
- Pair it with a light soup or sparkling wine for a complete holiday meal.
This Christmassy Sandwich Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its festive decorations make it an instant hit at any Christmas gathering!
