Polar Express Train Treat

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This festive board arranges an assortment of sweet and savory bites to resemble the Polar Express train. Mini sandwich rolls form the cars, supported by chocolate wafer cookies as wheels and pretzel rods or baby carrots as tracks. Various snacks like cheddar cubes, popcorn, peppermint bark, and chocolate truffles fill each car, while candy canes simulate festive smoke. Edible gold stars and sprinkles add sparkle. Ideal for holiday gatherings and family movie nights, it offers a playful, flavorful centerpiece with vegetarian options.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:15:00 GMT
Festive Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory snacks for holiday revelry. Save
Festive Polar Express Train Treat Board, filled with sweet and savory snacks for holiday revelry. | tastyeffect.com

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

This treat board has been a hit at every holiday party I host—it brings everyone together and sparks smiles

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:
Arrange the mini sandwich rolls or croissants in a line on the board to create the train cars
Add wheels:
Use chocolate wafer cookies to represent train wheels placing two under each roll
Create 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
The vibrant Polar Express Train Treat Board is overflowing with chocolate, cheese, and crunchy snacks. Save
The vibrant Polar Express Train Treat Board is overflowing with chocolate, cheese, and crunchy snacks. | tastyeffect.com

My family loves gathering around this board while watching the Polar Express movie creating a magical holiday tradition

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

Calories approximately 320 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 6 g per serving

Delicious homemade Polar Express Train Treat Board, artfully arranged for a fun, shareable snack. Save
Delicious homemade Polar Express Train Treat Board, artfully arranged for a fun, shareable snack. | tastyeffect.com

This treat board is the perfect festive centerpiece that’s easy to assemble and delightful to share

Recipe FAQ

How can I make this snack board gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels and substitute regular sandwich rolls with gluten-free alternatives to maintain texture and taste.

What savory snacks complement the sweet treats?

Cheddar cheese cubes, mini pretzel rods, popcorn, baby carrots, and cucumber slices provide a balanced savory contrast.

Can I prepare this board in advance?

Arrange treats shortly before serving to keep items fresh and prevent sogginess, especially the bread and fresh veggies.

What drinks pair well with this board?

Hot cocoa or spiced apple cider enhance the festive mood and complement both sweet and savory elements.

How is the train effect achieved on the board?

Mini sandwich rolls lined up as train cars, chocolate wafer cookies as wheels, and pretzel rods or baby carrots as tracks create a playful train setup.

Polar Express Train Treat

Whimsical holiday snack board featuring sweet and savory treats styled as a magical train journey.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
1 min
Complete duration
26 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Sweet Treats

01 1 cup mini marshmallows
02 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
03 1 cup peppermint bark pieces
04 12 chocolate wafer cookies
05 8 mini candy canes
06 8 chocolate truffles
07 1 cup red and green M&Ms

Savory Snacks

01 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
02 1 cup mini pretzel rods
03 1 cup popcorn
04 8 mini sandwich rolls or croissants
05 0.5 cup baby carrots
06 0.5 cup cucumber slices

Decorative & Assembly Elements

01 1 rectangular wooden board or platter
02 Assorted festive sprinkles (optional)
03 Edible gold stars (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Arrange Train Cars: Line up the mini sandwich rolls or croissants on the board to form the train cars.

Phase 02

Attach Train Wheels: Place two chocolate wafer cookies underneath each roll to represent train wheels.

Phase 03

Create Train Tracks: Position mini pretzel rods or baby carrots below the rolls to mimic train tracks.

Phase 04

Fill Train Cars: Fill each train car with different snacks including cheddar cheese cubes, popcorn, mini marshmallows, red and green M&Ms, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark pieces.

Phase 05

Add Board Accents: Scatter chocolate-covered pretzels and cucumber slices around the board to add color and texture.

Phase 06

Add Festive Smoke: Use mini candy canes placed on the lead engine roll to resemble festive smoke.

Phase 07

Decorate: Optionally sprinkle edible gold stars and festive sprinkles over the board for extra holiday flair.

Phase 08

Serve: Present assembled board immediately and invite guests to indulge in their preferred treats.

Necessary tools

  • Large wooden board or platter
  • Small serving bowls (optional)
  • Tongs or small serving spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), soy, possible tree nuts (in chocolates), and eggs (in baked goods). Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 6 g