Cucumber Sandwiches for Tea

There’s something timeless and elegant about Cucumber Sandwiches. A staple at afternoon tea parties, bridal showers, and garden gatherings, these dainty sandwiches are light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make. With soft bread, crisp cucumbers, and a creamy, herbed spread, they bring a perfect balance of flavors and textures to any tea-time spread.

These classic cucumber tea sandwiches are known for their delicate appearance and fresh taste. They are lightly seasoned and made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy cream cheese spread, making them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting an elegant afternoon tea or just looking for a light, refreshing snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and always delicious!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Butter knife or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Cucumbers: Crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet.
• Cream Cheese Spread: Adds a tangy, herby richness.
• Soft White or Whole Wheat Bread: Creates the perfect soft base.

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches

• 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 8 slices soft white or whole wheat bread
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cream Cheese Spread

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

1. Thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or mandoline.
2. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Spread

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread.
2. Arrange cucumber slices evenly over half of the slices.
3. Top with the remaining bread slices and gently press down.

Step 4: Trim & Serve

1. Cut off crusts for a traditional tea sandwich look.
2. Slice into triangles or rectangles.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Nutrition (per sandwich, ~8 servings)

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Protein: ~4g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of fresh chives or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the spread.
• For the Best Texture: Use seedless cucumbers for a smoother bite.
• To Keep Sandwiches Fresh: Cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 2 hours in advance, but wait to slice until just before serving.

What’s the best bread to use?
Soft white sandwich bread is traditional, but whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel also work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and mayo alternatives.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep sandwiches covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cucumbers release too much water when thawed.

Substitutions & Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or horseradish.
• Different Herbs: Swap dill for fresh basil or parsley.
• Butter Alternative: Replace cream cheese with herbed butter for a lighter option.

Cucumber Sandwiches for Tea

There’s something timeless and elegant about **Cucumber Sandwiches**. A staple at afternoon tea parties, bridal showers, and garden gatherings, these dainty sandwiches are **light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make**. With soft bread, crisp cucumbers, and a creamy, herbed spread, they bring a perfect balance of flavors and textures to any tea-time spread.

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Equipment

• - Sharp knife or mandoline
• - Cutting board
• - Mixing bowl
• - Butter knife or spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Sandwiches**
• - 1 large English cucumber thinly sliced
• - 8 slices soft white or whole wheat bread
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• #### **For the Cream Cheese Spread**
• - 4 oz cream cheese softened
• - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• - 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber**
• Thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or mandoline.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for **5 minutes** to remove excess moisture.
• Pat dry with a paper towel.
• #### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Spread**
• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
• #### **Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches**
• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread.
• Arrange cucumber slices evenly over half of the slices.
• Top with the remaining bread slices and gently press down.
• #### **Step 4: Trim & Serve**
• Cut off crusts for a traditional tea sandwich look.
• Slice into triangles or rectangles.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to **2 hours** before serving.