Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Cucumber sandwiches are a classic, refreshing treat perfect for afternoon tea or light gatherings. Their delicate flavors and creamy texture make them a delightful bite-sized snack that’s easy to prepare and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the crusts from the bread slices and set them aside.
- Step 2: Peel the English cucumber in stripes, then slice it into 1/8-inch thin rounds using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
- Step 3: Place the cucumber slices on paper towels and sprinkle with coarse salt. Let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with clean paper towels.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced dill, minced chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and coarse salt using a handheld mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Spread the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice.
- Step 6: Layer the cucumber slices over half of the bread slices. Season with cracked black pepper to taste, then top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, forming 8 full sandwiches.
- Step 7: Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut each sandwich into quarters to create 32 bite-sized tea sandwiches.
- Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy the light, fresh flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra freshness, chill the sandwiches before serving. This also helps the flavors meld together.
- Try substituting cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier twist.
- Adding a few thin slices of radish or smoked salmon can add texture and flavor variety.
- If you prefer, use whole wheat or rye bread for a heartier sandwich.
Storage
Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To prevent sogginess, layer cucumber slices between paper towels before assembling. It’s best to prepare the cream cheese spread and cucumber slices ahead, then assemble just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as these sandwiches are best enjoyed cold and fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers are preferable because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which makes for a more delicate sandwich. If using regular cucumbers, peel well and remove seeds if possible.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh dill or chives?
You can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or tarragon can also work well for a different but complementary flavor.
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Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32 tea sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic cucumber sandwiches offer a light, refreshing snack perfect for tea time or a sophisticated appetizer. Soft white sandwich bread layered with a creamy herb spread and thinly sliced cucumbers delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice in the creamy spread enhance the crisp cucumber, making these sandwiches simple yet elegant.
Ingredients
Bread
- 16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed
Cucumber
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt (for cucumber)
Herb Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare bread: Remove the crusts from each slice of bread and set them aside to use later or discard. This creates the delicate texture typical of tea sandwiches.
- Prepare cucumber slices: Peel the English cucumber in alternating stripes using a vegetable peeler to leave some skin intact for visual appeal. Then slice the cucumber into very thin 1/8-inch slices using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
- Salt cucumber slices: Lay the cucumber slices on paper towels and sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt. Allow them to rest for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which prevents soggy sandwiches. After resting, pat the slices dry with clean paper towels.
- Make the herb cream cheese spread: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced dill, minced chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt. Use a handheld mixer to blend until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread one side of each bread slice generously with the herb cream cheese mixture. On half of the slices, layer the cucumber slices evenly. Season the cucumbers with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Complete and cut: Top the cucumber-layered slices with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, to form sandwiches. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut each sandwich into quarters, cutting all the way through to the bottom. This yields 32 small tea sandwiches perfect for serving.
- Serve: Arrange these cucumber tea sandwiches on a platter and serve immediately for the freshest taste and crisp texture. Enjoy as a light snack or elegant appetizer.
Notes
- Resting the cucumber slices with salt is essential to extract moisture and prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Peeling the cucumber in stripes adds visual appeal while retaining some skin for extra texture.
- Use a sharp knife or mandolin for thin, uniform cucumber slices for the best layering and presentation.
- Cut sandwiches into quarters to create perfect bite-sized tea sandwiches.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain freshness; refrigerate if making ahead and use within a few hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cucumber sandwiches, tea sandwiches, cream cheese spread, herb sandwiches, light appetizer, no cook sandwich
