These cucumber tea sandwiches are a delightful blend of crisp cucumber slices and a flavorful herbed cream cheese spread, nestled between soft, crustless white bread. Perfect for tea parties, luncheons, or as a refreshing snack, they offer a taste of elegance in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe for its simplicity and sophistication. The combination of creamy, herby spread with the cool crunch of cucumber creates a harmonious balance that's both satisfying and light. It's a versatile choice, suitable for various occasions, and always garners compliments from guests.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 16 slices of high-quality soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Peel the cucumber in alternating stripes and slice it into ⅛-inch rounds.
- Place the slices on paper towels, sprinkle with coarse salt, and let them rest for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with additional paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, blend together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the herbed cream cheese mixture onto one side of each bread slice.
- Layer cucumber slices over half of the bread slices, season with cracked black pepper, and top with the remaining bread slices, spread side down.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into quarters to create 32 tea sandwiches.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 32 tea sandwiches and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Bread Options: While white sandwich bread is traditional, whole wheat or pumpernickel can add a different flavor and texture.
- Herb Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a unique twist.
- Additions: For added flavor, consider incorporating thin slices of smoked salmon or a layer of thinly sliced radishes.
Storage/Reheating
To keep the sandwiches fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place a damp paper towel over the sandwiches to prevent the bread from drying out. These sandwiches are best enjoyed cold and are not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
How can I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?
Salting the cucumber slices and allowing them to rest before assembling helps draw out moisture, reducing the risk of soggy sandwiches.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel over them to maintain freshness.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?
Peeling is optional. Peeling in stripes adds a decorative touch, but leaving the skin on provides additional texture and nutrients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for optimal flavor, but if unavailable, use dried herbs in smaller quantities, as they are more concentrated.
What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with fillings like thinly sliced tomatoes, radishes, or even a layer of hummus for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
These cucumber tea sandwiches are a timeless classic, offering a refreshing and elegant option for various occasions. Their simplicity, combined with the delightful flavors of fresh herbs and crisp cucumber, makes them a favorite in my recipe collection. Whether for a formal gathering or a casual snack, they never fail to impress.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32 tea sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Finger Food
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: English, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant and refreshing, these cucumber tea sandwiches combine crisp cucumber slices with a flavorful herbed cream cheese spread on soft, crustless white bread—perfect for tea parties, showers, or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 16 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp minced fresh dill
- 1 tbsp minced fresh chives
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp coarse salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Peel cucumber in alternating stripes and slice into ⅛-inch rounds.
- Lay slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15–30 minutes. Pat dry.
- Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the herbed cream cheese onto each bread slice.
- Top half the slices with cucumber, season with pepper, and close with remaining slices.
- Trim crusts if needed, cut each sandwich into quarters to yield 32 tea sandwiches.
Notes
- Salting cucumbers draws out moisture and prevents sogginess.
- For variation, try different breads, herbs, or add smoked salmon or radishes.
- Best served cold; store in fridge with a damp paper towel up to 24 hours.
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