There’s something undeniably charming about a plate of delicate cucumber tea sandwiches. They’re light, refreshing, and oh-so-sophisticated perfect for an afternoon tea, a brunch spread, or even a simple snack when you’re craving something fresh. Trust me, once you bite into one of these crisp, creamy sandwiches, you’ll be hooked! The contrast between the crunchy cucumbers, the soft bread, and the luscious spread makes every bite a delight. So, whether you’re hosting a fancy get-together or just treating yourself, these little beauties are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon tea, a bridal shower, or just a light lunch, these sandwiches add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: These sandwiches work for everything from tea parties to picnic lunches. They’re easy to dress up for a fancy gathering or keep simple for a quick snack.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients. No need for anything fancy just fresh cucumbers, soft bread, and a creamy spread.
Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in minutes. Perfect for those last-minute guests or when you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different herbs and seasonings. Try adding dill, chives, or even a dash of lemon zest to elevate the flavors.
Crowd-Pleasing: These little sandwiches are always a hit! Kids love them, adults adore them, and they disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients in Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Here’s the beauty of these sandwiches just a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Let’s break it down:
Cucumber: The star of the show! Thinly sliced for that perfect crunch and fresh flavor. English cucumbers work best since they’re seedless and less watery.
Bread: Soft white or whole wheat bread is ideal. The texture should be delicate enough to complement the cucumbers without overpowering them.
Cream Cheese: Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, it provides the perfect base for the spread. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
Mayonnaise: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps balance the flavors.
Fresh Dill: A classic pairing with cucumbers, dill brings a fresh, herby note that takes these sandwiches to the next level.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and make everything pop.
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumber: Thinly slice the cucumber and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Make the Spread: In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Bread: If desired, remove the crusts from the bread for a more traditional tea sandwich look. This step is optional but makes for an elegant presentation.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread. Arrange the cucumber slices evenly over half of the bread slices.
Top and Slice: Place another slice of bread on top, gently press down, and cut into triangles or finger-sized rectangles.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep them fresh until serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
These sandwiches pair beautifully with:
Fresh Salads: A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect companion.
Tea Selection: Serve with a pot of hot tea Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea complement the flavors wonderfully.
Fruit Platter: Fresh berries, melon, or grapes add a touch of sweetness and color to your spread.
Pastries: A side of scones or small pastries rounds out an elegant tea-time experience.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the spread a day in advance and store it in the fridge for easy assembly.
Keep Them Fresh: Cover assembled sandwiches with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Add a Twist: Try adding thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free option.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! While soft white bread is traditional, whole wheat, rye, or even a light sourdough can work well.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
3. How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy? Salting the cucumbers and patting them dry helps reduce moisture. Also, spreading the cream cheese mixture on both slices of bread creates a barrier.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the spread? Absolutely! Chives, parsley, garlic powder, or even a hint of lemon zest can add extra flavor.
5. Can I use a dairy-free alternative? Yes! Swap cream cheese and mayonnaise for dairy-free versions or use mashed avocado as a base.
6. How do I store leftovers? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to a day but are best enjoyed the same day.
7. Can I freeze cucumber sandwiches? No, cucumbers don’t freeze well, and the texture becomes too watery when thawed.
8. What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this recipe? Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even slices. If using a knife, aim for paper-thin slices for the best texture.
9. Can I add a protein to these sandwiches? Yes! Smoked salmon or thinly sliced turkey pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and cucumber.
10. Can I make these open-faced? Definitely! For a modern twist, serve the cucumber slices on top of cream cheese-spread bread rounds.
Cucumber tea sandwiches are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these little bites of freshness will never disappoint. Try them out, and trust me you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: About 12-16 tea sandwiches (depending on bread size)
- Category: Appetizers / Snacks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British / International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicate and refreshing cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic for any tea party or brunch! Made with creamy herbed cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumbers, and soft bread, they’re light, flavorful, and oh-so-elegant. Perfect for entertaining or a fancy snack!
Ingredients
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1 loaf of soft white bread (or whole wheat)
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1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or parsley)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
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Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Spread:
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In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (if using), fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
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Stir until smooth and well combined.
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Prep the Bread:
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Trim the crusts off the bread for a classic tea sandwich look.
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Assemble the Sandwiches:
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Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice (optional but adds richness and prevents sogginess).
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread.
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Add the Cucumber:
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Place thin slices of cucumber evenly on one side of the sandwich.
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Finish and Cut:
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Top with another slice of bread and gently press down.
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Cut into small squares, triangles, or fingers.
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Chill and Serve:
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If time allows, cover the sandwiches with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
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Notes
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For a lighter version, skip the butter and mayonnaise.
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Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin cucumber slices.
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These sandwiches are best served fresh but can be made up to 2 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg