Heart-Shaped Tea Sandwich Canapés

Nothing says I put effort into this breakfast in bed like a tray of bite-sized hearts. These heart-shaped canapés are basically a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board, but just neater, cuter, and way easier to grab while you’re chatting. You’ll make crisp little bread hearts, then top them with smoked salmon and mayo, or red lumpfish roe and a creamy spread, and ham with soft cheese. Serve them for Valentine’s Day dinner starters or a Galentine’s brunch spread.

What Are Heart-Shaped Tea Sandwich Canapés?

These are mini open-faced sandwiches cut into heart shapes using cookie cutters, then topped with simple, classic ingredients. The idea comes from traditional party canapés and tea sandwiches, where small bites are designed to look elegant without needing a full plate and fork. They’re popular for celebrations because you can mix flavors, colors, and textures on one platter, and for Valentine’s Day, the heart shapes do the flirting for you.

Pro Tips for the Best Heart-Shaped Canapés

• Use slightly firm bread, and not super fresh and squishy, so your hearts cut cleanly and don’t tear when you spread toppings.
• Dry your salmon and ham lightly with a paper towel if they’re moist to help them sit neatly without sliding around.
• Keep spreads thin and even because too much mayo/cheese makes toppings skate off like they’re avoiding commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these heart-shaped canapés ahead of time?

Yes, just don’t assemble everything too early, or the bread may soften. You can cut the bread hearts and prep toppings up to a day ahead. Assemble 1-3 hours before serving, and if needed, keep them covered in the fridge before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?

A small, sharp knife works perfectly, just draw a heart outline lightly and cut carefully. You can also use a paper heart template as a guide if you want consistent shapes. Another easy option is to cut squares or circles and use toppings to decorate the tops with small heart shapes. The toppings will still scream “Valentine’s,” even if the bread isn’t doing the full heart performance.

How do I stop the bread from getting soggy?

Start with bread that isn’t ultra-fresh and avoid heavy layers of spread. You can also lightly toast the bread hearts for a minute or two, then cool completely before topping.

What should I serve with these for a full Valentine’s spread?

They pair well with bubbly drinks, sparkling water with citrus, or fresh berries, and a simple salad. If you’re building a snack table, add grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a small bowl of olives or nuts. For a more filling setup, include a warm appetizer like baked brie or mini puff pastry bites.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Canapé Appetizers

Step 1

Step 1

Lay out the white bread slices and use heart-shaped cookie cutters of different sizes to cut hearts.

Lay out the white bread slices and use heart-shaped cookie cutters of different sizes to cut hearts.

Step 2

Step 2

Use the same cutters to cut heart shapes from the smoked salmon and cooked ham.

Use the same cutters to cut heart shapes from the smoked salmon and cooked ham.

Step 3

Step 3

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, top with salmon heart, then add a tiny heart cut-out on top using mayo.

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, top with salmon heart, then add a tiny heart cut-out on top using mayo.

Step 4

Step 4

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread hearts, then spoon on a small amount of red lumpfish roe. Then decorate with cream cheese.

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread hearts, then spoon on a small amount of red lumpfish roe. Then decorate with cream cheese.

Step 5

Step 5

Spread Robiola cheese onto the bread hearts, top with a ham heart, then finish with half a green olive placed on top.

Spread Robiola cheese onto the bread hearts, top with a ham heart, then finish with half a green olive placed on top.

Step 6

Step 6

Plate them in mixed colors so the tray looks bright and intentional, and serve immediately.