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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Pretty Layered Ribbon Sandwiches

    By: Jane · Updated: 25 Jun, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 60 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    Doesn't matter whether you call them tea sandwiches, finger sandwiches, or pick up food, these pretty layered ribbon sandwiches deserve to be at your next social occasion.

    How to make pretty, layered ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    A few weeks ago, I was asked to make some ribbon sandwiches for a retirement reception at our church.

    I said that I'd be happy to provide them if someone would tell me how to make them.

    You see, the word  "ribbon" was throwing me. I had never heard them called that. And I figured that if someone had to tell me how to make these pretty layered ribbon sandwiches,that I should pass along the info  to all of you! 

    Their name comes from the festive ribbons of colored filing, and I have eaten plenty of these dainty sandwiches.

    But I've always called them finger or tea sandwiches.

    But no matter what they're called, they are seriously the best little sandwiches!

    But I have to fess up and admit that I've never made them until this past weekend.

    What you need

    To make the ribbon sandwiches, you will need some cream cheese, crushed pineapple, pecan pieces, and butter. Yes, I said butter! These sandwiches are FAR from healthy or diet food, but they are so good as a treat for a special occasion. 

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    And you will need one or two loaves of square sandwich bread, depending on the number of ribbon sandwiches that you want to make. 

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    How to make ribbon sandwiches

    Step 1

    Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Chop the pecan pieces very finely. 

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 2

    Open the can of crushed pineapple and allow it to drain. Then press even more juice out of the pineapple by pressing on it with the back of a spoon. And when you think you've removed all the juice, take a paper towel and press down on the pineapple. You'll be surprised at how much juice is still in there

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 4

    Divide the cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and pecans between 2 bowls. Mix thoroughly. 

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 5

    To make the colored filing, you will need some food coloring. I haven't used food coloring in years, so when I went to purchase some, I found gel food colors. The gel is so much easier to work with and control! They are such an improvement over the liquid ones. 

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 6

    After adding a few drops of gel coloring, I had some pretty pink and green filing. 

    The next step is to whip some softened butter using a mixer. (I whipped 2 sticks but had to whip some more to finish my sandwiches.)

    How to make layered, ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 7

     Spread a very thin layer of whipped butter on one side of the bread.

    Quick tip: The purpose of the butter is to prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy from the filing. I found that it was easier to work in stages. I buttered 6 slices of bread at a time.

    How to make layered ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Then spread the filing over the butter.

    How to make ribbon tea sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 8

    Butter another side of slice of bread and place it down on top of the filing. Then butter the top of that slice. Add the different color of filing on top of that slice, and then butter another slice of bread. Put it buttered-side down on top of the filing. 

    How to make ribbon tea sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

     So you will end up with a stack that looks like this. You will need to concentrate a bit to get all of this buttering of bread down pat. Ask me how I know!!! Lucy, our dog, was eager to eat any mishaps. 

    How to make ribbon finger sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Step 9

    When you finish making all the sandwich layers, it's time to cut the crusts. Using a sharp, serrated-edge knife really helped with the cutting. As I was working with the sandwiches, I placed a slightly damp paper towel over them so that the bread wouldn't dry out. At this point, I put them in a closed container and placed them in the refrigerator until it was time to cut them into smaller pieces. 

    How to make ribbon finger sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    Quick tip: I cut each sandwich into 4 "fingers" so named because you cut them about the width of a finger!  And here's a tip that my sister-in-law Jean gave me. She said to wipe the knife each time you made a slice which helps to make nice, clean cuts. 

    How to make ribbon tea sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    I placed them on a glass plate with a dainty doily and as I was arranging them, I had an empty circle in the middle.

    How to make ribbon tea sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    So I went out to the garden and gathered some nasturtium blossoms and a little asparagus fern. 

    How to make layered ribbon sandwiches | cottage at the crossroads

    I'll have to admit that they were a pretty addition to the table at the reception. 

    Cake squares | cottage at the crossroads

    They matched the pink and green decorated cake squares that were nearby. 

    Reception table | cottage at the crossroads

    The refreshment table held other yummy items and a pretty centerpiece.

    Refreshment table | cottage at the crossroads

    I thought this was a spectacular way to display one, single hydrangea blossom. It was sitting in a shallow glass bowl which was placed on top of a glass candlestick. So simple and elegant. 

    Refreshment table | cottage at the crossroads

    And you simply cannot have a Southern social event without cheese wafers, can you?

    Lime punch | cottage at the crossroads

    The lime punch was very refreshing. I should know because I had about 4 cups of it! 

    And here's the complete recipe for the ribbon sandwiches. They are the perfect finger food for any social occasion. 

    📋 Recipe

    Ribbon sandwiches square1 150x150 1

    Ribbon Sandwiches

    Jane Windham
    perfect finger food for any social occasion with lovely, colored layers
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 20 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 2 20 ounce cans crushed pineapple, drained
    • 1 cup pecan pieces chopped very finely
    • 3 sticks butter whipped
    • 2 loaves of white sandwich bread
    • pink and green food coloring

    Instructions
     

    • Divide the softened cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, and pecans between 2 bowls.
    • Mix together with a fork.
    • Add a few drops of food coloring into each bowl and stir thoroughly.
    • Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter.
    • Add a layer of colored filing.
    • Spread one side of another slice of bread and place down on top of the filing.
    • Add butter to the top of that piece of bread and add the next layer of filing.
    • Butter another slice of bread and place down on top of colored filing.
    • Trim crusts from sandwiches.
    • Cut each sandwich into 4 fingers about 1 inch wide.
    • Cover with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap until ready to serve.

    Notes

    Use a serrated knife to cut the fingers and wipe the knife between each cut.
    Keyword tea sandwiches
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    1. Linda Johnston

      August 07, 2023 at 4:07 pm

      I've heard them called by all those names. Mom and I used to make mints for these occasions Why can't cheese wafers be served all the For many officer wives teas, they were also served. Thanks for the recipes.

      Reply
    2. Robyn of Oz

      February 23, 2023 at 9:53 pm

      Absolutely stunning!
      Another way of getting nicely sliced bread is to buy it from a bakery and ask the nice person to take your whole loaf and put it through the slicer length ways. You'll end up with a long loaf of several cuts. This is what a lot of the hotels that host afternoon/high teas do.
      It means you do all the steps as you outline but more efficiently. Then just trim your crusts, slice your finger widths and set on the plate.
      And your tip on gel food colouring - genius.

      Reply
    3. June

      April 08, 2022 at 9:44 am

      I am on the refreshment committee for Women's Club this month and these sandwiches are just the ticket. Thank you for sharing the recipe. The lime punch looks very interesting I would like the recipe for that as well. I will be searching for it.

      Reply
    4. Rebecca Payne

      August 02, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      It made me hungry. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Lisa

      October 24, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      Do you have a recipe using something like ham and/or turkey for these cute little sandwiches? I'm hosting a baby shower this weekend and would love to make these? Thanks a bunch.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        November 03, 2019 at 4:23 pm

        You could create finger sandwiches with the ham or turkey by cutting them into this shape. There is something about the small size that makes them more appetizing.

        Reply
    6. Cindy

      June 10, 2019 at 1:27 pm

      These sandwiches are the cutest things I've ever seen. Found this on pinterest. What an awesome idea for a Tea Party. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

      Reply
    7. Jan

      October 21, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      One look at these delightful sandwiches and I started planning a tea party for my neighbors and friends.
      Thanks

      Reply
    8. Patty Tronquet

      July 20, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Did you ever get the green punch recipe? Would you mind sharing it with an “outsider”? I’d like to use it for a baby shower I am hosting.
      Thanks so much,
      Patty Tronquet
      Seattle, Washington

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        July 20, 2018 at 9:40 pm

        Patty, I never found out who made the punch but I ran across this recipe that sounds like it would be very close.
        2 cups sugar
        2 quarts cold water
        2 packages (0.13 oz each) lime-flavored unsweetened soft drink mix
        1 can (46 oz) pineapple juice, chilled
        1 bottle (1 liter) ginger ale (4 1/4 cups), chilled
        Directions: In large pitcher or punch bowl, stir together sugar and water until sugar is dissolved. Stir in remaining ingredients.

        Reply
    9. Patti @ Pandora's Box

      May 15, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      These are so pretty and I am sure quite tasty, too! What a pretty table! Love the simple flowers....and the punch looks delish!!

      Reply
    10. Bonnie

      May 08, 2018 at 9:23 am

      I once owned a tea room and learned along the way, many secrets about tea sandwiches. First of all; most tea sandwiches can and should be be made a day ahead. Air is the enemy of tea sandwiches so to store pre made sandwiches, place in an airtight container lined with waxed paper and place a dry paper towel on top. Cucumber sandwiches should not be made until early the day I’d the tea. Sandwich plates can be made up early the day of the tea. When plate is done, cover with a well wrung out moistened paper towel and cover plate completely with Saran Wrap. Refrigerate until about 10 minutes before serving. Leave covered until just before serving and your tea sandwiches will be nice and fresh.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        May 08, 2018 at 10:23 am

        Bonnie, thanks so much for your great tips! I need to do a post on those cucumber sandwiches, too. They are so delicious!

        Reply
    11. Liz

      March 23, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Can these be made ahead and frozen?

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        March 23, 2018 at 12:29 pm

        I have never tried to freeze them, Liz, so I cannot answer your question. I'm thinking. though, that the sandwiches might get soggy if you did.

        Reply
        • Angie Adams

          February 01, 2023 at 11:44 pm

          50 + years ago Mom would buy colored bread loves (pink,green,blue) from the bakery and make beautifull ribbon sandwiches.

          Reply
    12. Patricia Mann

      January 04, 2018 at 9:20 pm

      Thanks Jane
      This recipe brought back memories of so
      many occasions when my mom made these treats!
      Patti M

      Reply
    13. Linda Winfield

      January 03, 2018 at 8:02 pm

      Oh, I can't wait to make these. I would love to have the punch recipe too.

      Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    14. marie

      August 03, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      I am going to make some for our family reunion. They look beautiful and are so clever.

      Reply
    15. Brian Johnson

      April 22, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      I am using this recipe for my uncle's 85th birthday party. It will be a good old fashioned church social kind of party and I have never made tea sandwiches. My mother's pimento cheese I have down, but I was at a loss for other sandwiches to do. The lime punch is intriguing though I think I am sticking with my favorite of red Hawaiian punch, ginger ale, and pineapple juice.

      Reply
    16. Michele

      April 19, 2016 at 11:42 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing this, Jane! I am definately going to make these at my next tea party - soon - for spring, I hope!

      God bless - and I am saying a little prayer for your retired minister. I can only imagine how much you all enjoyed his retirement party. Take care.

      Reply
    17. Laura Swanson

      March 21, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      BEAUTIFUL SANDWICHES!!!
      Thank you for showing us how to make and CUT the sandwich!

      I am wondering IF you would like to come help our church woman make Tea Sandwiches for 300?????
      LOL We are having our 1st Women's Conference April, 15 and 16th.
      The Tea will be our lunch time on Saturday....... so will be a high tea...

      I sure do appreciate all your ideas!!

      THANK YOU!!!

      Reply
    18. Glada St. Clair

      December 08, 2015 at 10:49 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this pretty recipe. i might make these for one of my sorority meetings or a baby shower and use pink and blue for the coloring. I hope your new Pastor will be a blessing to you. Merry Christmas.

      Reply
    19. Mary

      June 26, 2015 at 5:52 am

      Your tea sandwiches are so pretty Jane! I've never heard of ribbon sandwiches, I love the layers of colors. I've always used Pepperidge Farm thin white bread for finger sandwiches, it is harder to find like Libby says.

      Reply
    20. Shirley@Housepitality Designs

      June 17, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      The ribbon sandwich recipe sounds wonderful...yes, I call them tea or finger sandwiches too....
      A lovely table fit for a celebration of a person most well loved. Happy retirement to your pastor.

      Reply
    21. Mary Warren

      June 16, 2015 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you Jane for sharing your recipe. They look so elegant and special. I am going to add your recipe to mine for when I have to make something for a special occasion. Best wishes to your pastor, I know it is a sad but happy time for him. God bless him and his retirement.

      Reply
    22. Jean Windham

      June 16, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      These sandwiches are so pretty and! I bet they were a big hit. I remember them at weddings, parties and church events. Thanks gor sharing. Jean

      Reply
    23. Kathleen

      June 16, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      OH MY Goodness, this takes me back to Home Ec Class. Mrs White would have been so proud. Thank you,. I will make these the next time my daughter is here. We will have an old fashion tea party,

      Reply
    24. AnnMarie

      June 16, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      These are so perfect for light summer eating (not including the calories!). Pinned

      Reply
    25. Jenna

      June 16, 2015 at 7:43 pm

      So pretty and fun Jane!

      Reply
    26. Debbie

      June 16, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      All these good, old-fashioned Southern reception foods bring back so many happy memories! Yum.

      Reply
    27. tonia conner

      June 16, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      I'm so going to use this next Sunday for a meeting after church. Do you have a tried and true cucumber sandwich recipe you would be willing to share as well? The table was so fresh with little expense and not too much work. Thanks for those ideas as well.

      Reply
    28. Cindy

      June 16, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      Yum these sound so good and are pretty. Seems like a great church function

      Cindy

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:32 pm

        We have a wonderful church community, Cindy. Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment!

        Reply
    29. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles

      June 16, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      Oh, how pretty, and they sound very yummy!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:12 pm

        Thanks for dropping by, Sheila! You should serve them at your housewarming!

        Reply
    30. Debra Bartels

      June 16, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      So Southern. So perfect.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:12 pm

        Yes, I bet you remember these, Debra!

        Reply
    31. yvonne

      June 16, 2015 at 11:48 am

      would you give punch recipe? everything looked so pretty!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:10 pm

        Yvonne, I don't have that punch recipe but I will ask around to see who made it. If I get it, I will either post it or send it to via email.

        Reply
    32. Debbie

      June 16, 2015 at 10:30 am

      Your sandwiches look amazing!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks Debbie! Lots of children were attracted to them because of the colored layers.

        Reply
    33. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage

      June 16, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Yum!
      The table looks so pretty with all the wonderful treats. What a wonderful celebration for your retiring Pastor.
      Kris

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:14 pm

        We will really miss our minister, but I'll make him some sandwiches anytime!

        Reply
    34. Linda

      June 16, 2015 at 8:29 am

      Church ladies always have the best recipes. And your table is lovely. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the party. Saying good bye is easier with good food.

      Wishes for tásty dishes,
      Linda

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:16 pm

        You are so right, Linda. All the ladies at our church are awesome cooks and good food is always a balm for the soul!

        Reply
    35. Libby Wilkie

      June 16, 2015 at 8:26 am

      Jane: Have you ever tried the Pepperidge Farm thin sliced bread? It's hard to find, and I think sells out very quickly, but each piece is about half the depth of regular bread. It's what I always use for tea sandwiches! I used to make these often when daughter and I would have tea parties in the afternoon! And then I used cookie cutters: she was delighted!
      Going to print out this recipe and use very soon: thank you!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:17 pm

        That is such a good suggestion to use the thin Pepperidge Farm bread, Libby. I think I'll make some cucumber sandwiches with it!

        Reply
    36. Emmie

      June 16, 2015 at 8:18 am

      I haven't made them in a long time.They are so pretty,and the table looked so nice.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:18 pm

        Sometimes old-fashioned things are the best, especially in this case!

        Reply
    37. Willa McCutcheon

      June 16, 2015 at 7:39 am

      They look fantastic. I do a lot of entertaining and I am always glad to see different things that I can use on a table

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks Willa. The layers could be tinted to match the scheme of any party, couldn't they?

        Reply
    38. Paula@SweetPea

      June 16, 2015 at 7:01 am

      These look delicious and are so pretty! Your church's refreshment table was so attractive. I'll bet that all of the ladies admired it as they went through the line to get their food.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:24 pm

        Awww, thanks, Paula! I did get a few compliments on them-I think it was the butter that sealed the deal, though!

        Reply
    39. Pat @ Life At Lydias House

      June 15, 2015 at 10:34 pm

      I haven't had those in many years and they surely do look delicious!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:26 pm

        I haven't had them in a while, either, Pat. And I had never heard them referred to as ribbon sandwiches. But I sure am glad that I know how to make them now. Pretty sure they will become a regular at our family gatherings from now on.

        Reply
    40. Barbara F.

      June 15, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      I love finger sandwiches. Abd that lime punch looked beautiful! Great job.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:27 pm

        I'll try to get the recipe for that lime punch, Barbara. It was so refreshing and not overly-sweet as some punches are!

        Reply
    41. martina

      June 15, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Sounds yummy and they look so pretty too!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 16, 2015 at 1:28 pm

        Thanks, Martina! I taste-tested quite a few of them!!!

        Reply

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