Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
There’s something undeniably charming about cucumber tea sandwiches. They’re light, refreshing, and have that perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, creamy spread, and soft bread. Whether you’re hosting an elegant afternoon tea, a bridal shower, or just craving a simple yet sophisticated snack, these little sandwiches always hit the spot. Trust me, you’re going to love them—they’re the ultimate bite-sized indulgence!
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Elegant and Refreshing: Light, crisp, and perfect for special occasions or a fancy afternoon treat.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully.
Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and can be made in just minutes!
Customizable: Play around with different herbs, spreads, or even bread types to make them uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for tea parties, brunches, or as a light appetizer.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber: The star of the show! Crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet, cucumbers bring a delicate crunch to every bite.
Bread: Soft white, whole wheat, or even rye—pick your favorite for the perfect texture.
Cream Cheese: The smooth, creamy base that ties everything together. You can use plain or herbed cream cheese for extra flavor.
Butter: A light spread of butter adds richness and helps keep the bread from getting soggy.
Fresh Dill: A touch of dill enhances the freshness and gives that classic tea sandwich flavor.
Lemon Juice: Just a hint to brighten up the flavors and balance the creaminess.
Salt & Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumber. If you prefer, peel the skin for a smoother texture. Lightly sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Make the Spread: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh dill. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Bread: Trim the crusts off the bread slices for that classic tea sandwich look. Lightly spread butter on one side of each slice—this helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the buttered bread. Arrange the cucumber slices evenly on top.
Close and Cut: Place another slice of bread on top, gently press down, and cut into small rectangles, triangles, or rounds for an elegant presentation.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sandwiches on a platter and serve immediately, or chill them in the fridge for an hour for even better flavor.
Nutrition Facts
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 200
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
These delicate sandwiches pair wonderfully with:
- A Classic Cup of Tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or chamomile make a perfect pairing.
- Fresh Fruit: Grapes, berries, or melon add a sweet contrast.
- Mini Pastries: Serve alongside scones or macarons for an elegant spread.
- Cold Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing drink choice for warm days.
Additional Tips
- Use a Mandoline: For ultra-thin, uniform cucumber slices.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches a few hours in advance, wrap them in plastic, and store in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Try Different Herbs: Chives, parsley, or mint can add unique flavor twists.
- Add a Protein Boost: A thin layer of smoked salmon pairs beautifully with these sandwiches.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While white bread is traditional, whole wheat, rye, or even pumpernickel work well.
2. Do I have to remove the crusts?
No, but removing them gives the sandwiches a more refined, classic tea-time look.
3. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours in advance, cover them with a damp paper towel, and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading a thin layer of butter before adding the cream cheese helps create a barrier and keeps the bread fresh.
5. Can I add extra seasoning?
Absolutely! A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika can enhance the flavor.
6. What’s the best cucumber to use?
English cucumbers are ideal because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
7. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Herbed or garlic cream cheese adds extra flavor without extra work.
8. What other spreads can I use?
Goat cheese, Greek yogurt, or even a light mayonnaise can be used instead of cream cheese.
9. Can I freeze cucumber tea sandwiches?
No, they don’t freeze well since cucumbers release water and make the bread soggy.
10. Can I serve these at a large gathering?
Yes! They’re perfect for brunches, baby showers, and afternoon tea parties. Just make a big batch and keep them chilled until serving.
Conclusion
Cucumber tea sandwiches are the ultimate combination of simplicity and elegance. Light, refreshing, and irresistibly creamy, they make any occasion feel special. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just treating yourself, these little bites are sure to impress. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintCucumber Tea Sandwiches
Delicate, refreshing, and perfect for afternoon tea, these cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic British favorite. Their subtle flavors and light texture make them an ideal, sophisticated snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
– 8 slices of white bread (or your choice of soft bread)
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or substitute with unsalted butter)
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese with fresh dill, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
2. Lightly toast the bread slices if desired, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on each slice.
3. Layer the thin cucumber slices on half of the prepared bread slices.
4. Place the remaining slices on top, cream cheese side down, to form complete sandwiches.
5. Trim off the crusts and cut each sandwich into elegant finger pieces.
6. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour to maintain freshness.
Notes
– For a subtle sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the cucumber slices.
– Ensure cucumber slices are uniformly thin to avoid soggy sandwiches.
– These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
– Experiment with a light herb butter as an alternative spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
