Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Meals

This colorful platter features sandwiches cut into playful elephant shapes using whole wheat bread, layered with turkey or vegetarian deli slices, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper. Each sandwich is adorned with olive eyes and a carrot stick trunk, creating a fun presentation perfect for children's parties or themed events. Served alongside baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn, this easy-to-assemble board offers a hearty, visually engaging snack option with vegetarian alternatives.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:31:00 GMT
Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board bursting with colorful veggies and tasty turkey slices, a fun snack. Pin
Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board bursting with colorful veggies and tasty turkey slices, a fun snack. | forkandbloom.com

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

This recipe always brings joy to my family gatherings and is a hit with kids who love the elephant shapes!

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

Elephant-shaped bread:
Using an elephant-shaped cookie cutter cut each slice of bread into elephant shapes (reserve scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons)
Spread condiments:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and mustard on half the bread slices
Layer fillings:
Layer turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese on top
Add vegetables:
Add cucumber and red bell pepper slices for crunch and color
Form sandwiches:
Top with remaining elephant-shaped bread slices to form sandwiches
Create eyes:
Place two olive halves on each sandwich for eyes use a dab of mayonnaise to adhere if needed
Add trunk:
Use a carrot stick to form a trunk for each elephant by gently pressing into the sandwich front
Arrange:
Arrange sandwiches on a large board or platter
Fill space:
Fill remaining space with baby carrots grapes and popcorn for a festive edible display
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board arrangement, showcasing playful elephant sandwiches with carrot trunks nearby. Pin
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board arrangement, showcasing playful elephant sandwiches with carrot trunks nearby. | forkandbloom.com

My kids especially love helping to put the olive eyes and carrot trunks on the sandwiches which makes it a fun family activity

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

Homemade Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board: a cheerful platter of elephant sandwiches with olives, grapes, and popcorn. Pin
Homemade Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board: a cheerful platter of elephant sandwiches with olives, grapes, and popcorn. | forkandbloom.com

This delightful elephant sandwich board is sure to impress any crowd and makes snack time enjoyable for all ages

Recipe Q&A

How do I make the elephant shapes?

Use an elephant-shaped cookie cutter to cut whole wheat bread slices into the desired shapes, ensuring even stamping for uniform sandwiches.

What fillings work best in these sandwiches?

Layer turkey or vegetarian deli slices with cheddar cheese, plus condiments like mayonnaise and mustard, to balance flavor and moisture.

How can I decorate the sandwiches to resemble elephants?

Place olive halves for eyes atop the sandwiches and use thin carrot sticks to create trunks by pressing them gently onto the front.

Are there vegetarian options for this platter?

Yes, substitute turkey with vegetarian deli slices or roasted vegetables and hummus for a satisfying meat-free alternative.

What sides complement this sandwich board?

Serve with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn arranged around the sandwiches for added color, texture, and variety.

Any tips to keep sandwiches fresh for parties?

Prepare sandwiches shortly before serving and cover them lightly with a damp cloth to maintain softness and prevent drying.

Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

Playful elephant-shaped sandwiches layered with turkey, cheddar, and crisp veggies, served on a festive board.

Prep duration
25 min
0
Complete duration
25 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Components

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, halved 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

Directions

Step 01

Cut bread into elephant shapes: Using an elephant-shaped cookie cutter, carve 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

Assemble layers: Layer turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese atop the prepared bread slices.

Step 04

Add vegetables: Top with thin slices of cucumber and red bell pepper to add texture and color.

Step 05

Complete sandwiches: Cover with remaining elephant-shaped bread slices to form complete sandwiches.

Step 06

Create eyes and trunks: Place two olive halves on each sandwich to represent eyes, securing with a small dab of mayonnaise if necessary. Use carrot sticks to fashion trunks by gently pressing them onto the sandwich front.

Step 07

Arrange for serving: Place sandwiches on a large serving board or platter and fill surrounding space with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn for a festive presentation.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, eggs, and possibly soy; may contain traces of gluten and nuts depending on ingredient selection.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 10 g