Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe
These elegant Cucumber Sandwiches are a classic tea-time treat, featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers layered on soft white bread with a creamy, herbed spread. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, these sandwiches are perfect for parties, brunches, or a sophisticated snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32 tea sandwich quarters
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
Herbed 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
- Remove crusts: Remove the crusts from all 16 slices of bread and set the crusts aside or discard.
- Prepare cucumber: Peel the English cucumber in alternating strips to create a striped effect for presentation.
- Slice cucumber: Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice the cucumber into very thin 1/8-inch slices to ensure delicate texture.
- Drain cucumber: Lay the cucumber slices on paper towels, sprinkle with coarse salt, and let them rest for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then pat dry with clean paper towels to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Make spread: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced dill, minced chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, and coarse salt together using a handheld mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Add cucumber: Arrange the drained cucumber slices over half of the bread slices topped with cream cheese. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Complete sandwiches: Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, forming 8 full sandwiches.
- Cut sandwiches: Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut each sandwich into quarters vertically and horizontally, forming 32 small tea sandwich portions.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best texture and freshness. Enjoy your refreshing cucumber tea sandwiches!
Notes
- For best results, use a mandolin for evenly thin cucumber slices.
- Salting and resting the cucumber slices is essential to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
- These sandwiches are best served the same day for freshness.
- Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving, but avoid making too far in advance.