Pin A whimsical, holiday-inspired snack board featuring sweet and savory treats arranged to resemble a magical Polar Express train journey. Perfect for festive gatherings and family movie nights.
I often prepare this treat board for family movie nights during the holiday season and it's always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Sweet Treats: 1 cup mini marshmallows 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels 1 cup peppermint bark pieces 12 chocolate wafer cookies (for train wheels) 8 mini candy canes 8 chocolate truffles 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- Savory Snacks: 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes 1 cup mini pretzel rods 1 cup popcorn 8 mini sandwich rolls or croissants (for train cars) 1/2 cup baby carrots 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- Decorative & Assembly Elements: 1 rectangular wooden board or platter Assorted festive sprinkles (optional) Edible gold stars (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange train cars:
- Place the mini sandwich rolls or croissants in a line on the board to create the train cars.
- Add train wheels:
- Use chocolate wafer cookies to represent train wheels placing two under each roll.
- Create train tracks:
- Position mini pretzel rods or baby carrots as the train tracks beneath the rolls.
- Fill train cars:
- Fill each train car with a different snack cheddar cheese cubes popcorn mini marshmallows M&Ms chocolate truffles and peppermint bark.
- Arrange extras:
- Place chocolate-covered pretzels and cucumber slices around the board for extra color and crunch.
- Add festive smoke:
- Use candy canes as festive smoke coming out of the lead engine roll.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle edible gold stars and festive sprinkles for decoration if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and encourage guests to board the train by picking their favorite snacks.
Pin This treat board always brings my family together sharing stories and laughter as we watch the Polar Express movie.
Required Tools
Large wooden board or platter Small serving bowls (optional for loose candies) Tongs or small serving spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Milk wheat (gluten) soy possible tree nuts (in chocolates) eggs (in baked goods) Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories approximately 320 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 6 g
Pin This Polar Express Treat Board makes holiday entertaining effortless and magical every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I assemble the train snack board?
Arrange mini rolls in a line as train cars, use chocolate wafer cookies as wheels beneath each roll, and place pretzel rods or baby carrots as tracks. Fill each car with different sweet or savory snacks for a charming display.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolates can replace regular versions. Adding deli meats or olives increases savory options as needed.
- → What snacks balance well on the board?
Mixing sweet treats like peppermint bark, marshmallows, and chocolate truffles with savory elements like cheddar cheese and mini pretzels offers a pleasing variety to satisfy different tastes.
- → How can I decorate the board for extra festive flair?
Use edible gold stars and festive sprinkles around the board to create sparkle and holiday charm that complements the train theme.
- → What beverages pair best with this snack display?
Warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider perfectly complement the mix of sweet and savory flavors on the board.