Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This delightful board features sandwiches cut into elephant shapes using whole wheat bread, layered with turkey or vegetarian slices, cheddar cheese, and spreads of mayonnaise and mustard. Fresh cucumber and red bell pepper add crunch and color, while black olives form eyes and carrot sticks create trunks. The sandwiches are arranged on a large platter with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn, making an inviting and festive display ideal for children's parties or circus-themed events. Variations include roasted vegetables or hummus for vegetarian options and creative use of colored cheeses or breads for added vibrancy.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:41:00 GMT
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwiches board filled with turkey, cheese, and fresh vegetable decorations. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Big Top Elephant Sandwiches board filled with turkey, cheese, and fresh vegetable decorations. | velvetthyme.com

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

This recipe always brings smiles to my childrens faces at birthday parties and is a big hit with all ages.

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
Bright platter of whimsical Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, perfect for a kids' party, arranged creatively. Save to Pinterest
Bright platter of whimsical Big Top Elephant Sandwiches, perfect for a kids' party, arranged creatively. | velvetthyme.com

Our family loves to gather around this board, sharing stories while enjoying the playful sandwiches together.

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

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

Delicious, colorful Big Top Elephant Sandwiches ready to be enjoyed with baby carrots and grapes. Save to Pinterest
Delicious, colorful Big Top Elephant Sandwiches ready to be enjoyed with baby carrots and grapes. | velvetthyme.com

This playful platter makes any gathering extra special and encourages healthy eating in a fun way.

Recipe FAQs

How do I shape the sandwiches like elephants?

Use an elephant-shaped cookie cutter to cut each bread slice before assembling the sandwich to create whimsical shapes.

Can I make this platter vegetarian?

Yes, swap turkey slices for vegetarian deli options, roasted vegetables, or hummus for a plant-based alternative.

What ingredients add crunch to the sandwiches?

Thin slices of cucumber and red bell pepper provide fresh, crisp texture inside the sandwiches.

How do I create the elephant features on the sandwiches?

Black olives are cut in halves for eyes and carrot sticks are gently pressed on to resemble trunks.

What sides complement the sandwich board?

Baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn fill the platter around the sandwiches for a colorful and festive presentation.

Big Top Elephant Sandwich Board

Elephant-shaped sandwiches on a colorful board with turkey, cheese, and fresh veggies for party fun.

Prep time
25 min
0
Total process time
25 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly

List of ingredients

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

Step 02

Spread condiments: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and yellow mustard on half of the bread shapes.

Step 03

Assemble sandwich layers: Place turkey or vegetarian deli slices and cheddar cheese over the prepared bread slices.

Step 04

Add vegetable toppings: Layer thin slices of cucumber and red bell pepper on top of the cheese for added crunch and color.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Create facial features: Position two black olive halves on each sandwich to represent eyes, using a small dab of mayonnaise to adhere if necessary.

Step 07

Form elephant trunks: Press a carrot stick gently into the front edge of each sandwich to simulate an elephant trunk.

Step 08

Arrange presentation board: Place sandwiches on a large serving board or platter in an appealing layout.

Step 09

Add decorative sides: Fill remaining space with baby carrots, grapes, and popcorn to create a festive and edible display.

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, eggs, and possibly soy. Check for gluten and nut traces depending on bread and deli selections.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 220
  • Fat content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein amount: 10 g