There’s something absolutely magical about a classic Cucumber Sandwich: crisp, fresh, and so delightfully easy to assemble, it transforms the humblest of ingredients into a refreshing treat. Whether you’re hosting a garden tea, craving a simple lunch, or just feel like pampering yourself with a taste of English tradition, these sandwiches deliver subtle crunch with a luxurious lemon-herb spread in every bite. Trust me, if you haven’t had a Cucumber Sandwich lately, you’re in for a lovely surprise!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These sandwiches come together with just a few simple, everyday ingredients, but each plays a starring role. Freshness and balance are the keys to both flavor and texture, so it’s worth picking the best you can find and letting each shine.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The base of your creamy spread, giving every Cucumber Sandwich a rich, tangy foundation that pairs perfectly with crisp veggies.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds an extra silkiness and depth of flavor, smoothing out the cream cheese beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip this! It brightens all the flavors and gives your spread that irresistible zesty kick.
- Chives or green onions (1 tablespoon, chopped): These add gentle oniony notes and a pretty pop of green.
- Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Fresh dill is truly magic here, giving your sandwich its classic herby freshness.
- Parsley (1 teaspoon, chopped): A touch of parsley rounds out the herbal notes and brightens the spread.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a little brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Cucumbers (2, peeled and sliced): The crisp, cool star of the show—choose firm, fresh ones for best results.
- White bread (8 slices, crusts removed): Soft, classic, and perfect for the delicate filling—removing the crusts makes that charming tearoom look!
How to Make Cucumber Sandwich
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Lemon Herb Spread
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and adding in your softened cream cheese, creamy mayonnaise, zippy lemon juice, freshly chopped chives (or green onions), dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is smooth and flecked beautifully with green. The spread should be easy to smear and taste lively, creamy, and bright. Go ahead—take a tiny taste and adjust those seasonings as you like!
Step 2: Prep Your Bread
Lay out your slices of white bread on a clean countertop or cutting board and trim away the crusts for that unmistakable finger-sandwich elegance. This little touch makes your Cucumber Sandwich not only look dainty, but also gives every bite a perfectly even texture.
Step 3: Spread with Love
Take a generous scoop of your lemon-herb spread and slather it on each slice of bread, making sure to reach the edges. The flavorful spread forms the creamy bed that’ll hug the cucumbers and keep the sandwich moist, even after cutting.
Step 4: Layer the Cucumbers
Arrange the cucumber slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer on half of the bread slices. The goal is to distribute them evenly so every nibble gets a hit of cool, crisp cucumber. Don’t pile too high—one neat layer keeps your Cucumber Sandwich tidy and balanced.
Step 5: Assemble and Cut
Top the cucumber-adorned slices with their matching “lids,” spread-side down. Use a sharp knife to slice each sandwich diagonally into triangles, creating bite-sized, elegant pieces ready for your next tea party or lunchtime treat. Serve them immediately for the best crunch and freshness!
How to Serve Cucumber Sandwich

Garnishes
Garnishing your Cucumber Sandwich adds that final flourish and a bit of extra color. Try sprinkling fresh dill, chives, or parsley on top, or nestle a paper-thin cucumber round on each triangle. A quick twist of cracked black pepper makes them look extra inviting—and amps up the flavor just a touch!
Side Dishes
To round out your plate, pair your Cucumber Sandwich with classic companions like a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips. For a light afternoon tea, add strawberries, scones, or a pot of your favorite loose-leaf tea for a delightfully British treat.
Creative Ways to Present
The Cucumber Sandwich is already a beauty, but you can dress it up further for special occasions. Arrange the triangles in a pinwheel on a platter, stack them in neat rows, or cut them into smaller finger-friendly squares or rounds with a biscuit cutter. Serve on a tiered stand alongside other dainty treats for a show-stopping afternoon tea display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out, and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 24 hours, though they’re best enjoyed within a few hours before the bread begins to soften from the cucumbers.
Freezing
Cucumber Sandwiches aren’t ideal for freezing, as the cucumbers tend to become watery and the bread can get soggy upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the cucumbers and add them just before serving, but truly, these are best made fresh for optimal crunch.
Reheating
No reheating is needed—these are meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh, so simply remove from the fridge a few minutes before serving. If the bread seems a little firm from chilling, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften up.
FAQs
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
While peeling is traditional for that classic Cucumber Sandwich look and tender bite, you can leave a strip of skin on for added color or leave them unpeeled if you enjoy a bit more texture. Just be sure to wash the cucumbers well if you keep the peels!
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Absolutely! While fluffy white bread is classic, whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free slices work nicely. Just avoid very crusty or dense breads, as their texture can overwhelm the delicate cucumber filling.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have dill or chives?
If you’re out of dill or chives, try finely chopped mint, basil, or tarragon for a fresh twist. Each imparts its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what’s in your herb garden or fridge.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and mayonnaise, and choose vegan-friendly bread. The results will still be creamy, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing—no one will even miss the dairy!
How do I keep Cucumber Sandwiches from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy sandwiches, be sure to pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before layering. Also, assemble sandwiches just before serving for the freshest result, and spread the entire bread surface to help act as a barrier.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making a special afternoon tea, brightening up your lunch, or introducing friends to a timeless British classic, the Cucumber Sandwich deserves a regular spot in your recipe repertoire. Take a few minutes to whip up this delightful snack—you’ll be amazed by how something so simple can feel truly elegant and utterly irresistible!
PrintCucumber Sandwich Recipe
Cucumber sandwiches are a delightful and refreshing summer treat, featuring a creamy lemon herb spread that adds zesty flavor to each bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: English
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Creamy Lemon Herb Spread:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chives or green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sandwich:
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 8 slices white bread, crusts removed
Instructions
- Creamy Lemon Herb Spread: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread the mixture on two slices of bread. Layer cucumber slices on one slice and top with the other. Cut diagonally into triangles and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 464mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg