Polar Express Train Treat Board

Featured in: Cozy Snack Plates

This festive board features an enchanting arrangement of sweet and savory bites inspired by a holiday train journey. Mini sandwich rolls line up as train cars, each filled with cheddar cheese, popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark. Chocolate wafer cookies serve as wheels, while pretzel rods and baby carrots form the tracks. Candy canes are placed as festive smoke, and optional gold stars and sprinkles add sparkle. Perfect for easy assembly and delightful family celebrations.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:03:00 GMT
Festive Polar Express Train Treat Board, brimming with sweet and savory snacks for family fun. Pin This
Festive Polar Express Train Treat Board, brimming with sweet and savory snacks for family fun. | messli.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 have hosted, bringing family and friends together around a festive spread.

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.
Place Wheels:
Use chocolate wafer cookies to represent train wheels, placing two under each roll.
Make 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.
Decorate Board:
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.
Sprinkle Decorations:
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.
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This board always creates special moments as family members gather around to build their own train snacks and share holiday stories.

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: ~320, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 6 g per serving.

A colorful and delicious Polar Express Train Treat Board overflowing with holiday goodies and cheese cubes. Pin This
A colorful and delicious Polar Express Train Treat Board overflowing with holiday goodies and cheese cubes. | messli.com

Bring holiday magic to your gatherings with this playful and delicious snack board.

Recipe Q&A

What snacks are included in the board?

The board includes mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered pretzels, peppermint bark, cheddar cheese cubes, popcorn, chocolate truffles, mini candy canes, and fresh veggies like cucumbers and baby carrots.

How is the train design created?

Mini sandwich rolls or croissants line up as train cars, with chocolate wafer cookies placed underneath as wheels, and mini pretzel rods or baby carrots forming the tracks.

Can this board accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolates can be substituted to cater to various dietary needs.

What occasions suit this treat board?

Its whimsical holiday theme is ideal for festive gatherings, family movie nights, and seasonal celebrations.

Are there suggested beverage pairings?

Pair with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to enhance the holiday experience.

Polar Express Train Treat Board

Holiday snack board featuring sweet and savory treats arranged like a magical train for festive gatherings.

Prep Needed
25 minutes
0
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American, Holiday

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Sweet Treats

01 1 cup mini marshmallows
02 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzels
03 1 cup peppermint bark pieces
04 12 chocolate wafer cookies (for train wheels)
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 (for train cars)
05 1/2 cup baby carrots
06 1/2 cup cucumber slices

Decorative & Assembly Elements

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

Steps

Step 01

Create train base: Arrange the mini sandwich rolls or croissants in a straight line on the wooden board to form the train cars.

Step 02

Attach wheels: Place two chocolate wafer cookies underneath each roll to resemble train wheels.

Step 03

Form train tracks: Lay mini pretzel rods or baby carrots beneath the train cars to represent the tracks.

Step 04

Fill train cars: Fill each roll with one type of snack: cheddar cheese cubes, popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, chocolate truffles, or peppermint bark.

Step 05

Add extra snacks: Distribute chocolate-covered pretzels and cucumber slices around the board for added color and texture.

Step 06

Create festive smoke: Position mini candy canes upright on the lead engine roll to mimic smoke rising.

Step 07

Garnish board: Sprinkle edible gold stars and festive sprinkles over the display as desired for decoration.

Step 08

Serve and enjoy: Present the assembled board immediately and invite guests to select their favorite treats.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), soy, possible tree nuts in chocolates, and eggs in baked goods.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 320
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 6 g