Save 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’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
This treat board has been a hit at every holiday party I host—it brings everyone together and sparks smiles
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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)
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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
Save My family loves gathering around this board while watching the Polar Express movie creating a magical holiday tradition
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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
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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.
