Description
These classic Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a light and refreshing snack perfect for afternoon tea or elegant gatherings. Made with thinly sliced English cucumbers, creamy herb-infused cream cheese spread, and soft sandwich bread, they offer a delicate balance of flavors with a crisp texture. Easy to prepare and visually appealing when garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers, these sandwiches are an ideal no-cook appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed)
Cream Cheese Spread
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Extra herbs or edible flowers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill or chives, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spread is smooth and easily spreadable.
- Spread on Bread: Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface and evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice to ensure consistent flavor and moisture.
- Layer Cucumber Slices: Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced cucumber over half of the bread slices that are spread with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the slices slightly overlap for full coverage.
- Form Sandwiches: Top the cucumber-covered slices with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, to form complete sandwiches. Gently press them together to ensure they hold.
- Trim and Cut: Press the sandwiches lightly and trim the edges for neat, even shapes. Then cut each sandwich diagonally or into rectangles, producing halves or quarters according to preference.
- Serve: Serve your cucumber tea sandwiches chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra chopped herbs or edible flowers if desired for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- To prevent soggy sandwiches, pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels before layering.
- For best freshness, make sandwiches a few hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel over them.
- Use soft sandwich bread to ensure easy biting without crushing the cucumbers.
- Feel free to customize herbs in the spread such as basil or parsley for different flavor profiles.
