Description
These classic Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a light, refreshing appetizer perfect for afternoon tea or any elegant gathering. Thinly sliced cucumbers are layered on soft white bread spread with herbed cream cheese, offering a delightful balance of creamy and crisp textures with subtle hints of dill and lemon zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumber Preparation
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Light salt (to taste)
Sandwich Base
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 4 tablespoons herbed cream cheese or softened butter
Flavor Enhancers (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the English cucumber thoroughly, then thinly slice it into rounds or strips. Lightly sprinkle with salt and arrange the slices on a paper towel. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out any excess moisture, ensuring your sandwiches won’t become soggy.
- Mix the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened herbed cream cheese (or butter) with the finely chopped fresh dill and lemon zest if you choose to use them. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for a flavorful spread.
- Prepare the Bread: Remove the crusts from the slices of white sandwich bread using a sharp knife to create soft, neat edges for your tea sandwiches.
- Spread the Base: Evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture or softened butter over each slice of bread. This acts as a tasty barrier that also helps keep the cucumber slices in place.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the cucumber slices in a single overlapping layer on half of the prepared bread slices. This layering ensures each bite has a consistent crunch and fresh flavor.
- Finish the Sandwich: Cover the cucumber-topped slices with the remaining bread slices, spread side down. Press gently to set them together. Then slice each sandwich diagonally or into classic finger shapes to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the sandwiches with extra fresh dill. Serve immediately for best freshness, or cover them with a damp paper towel and refrigerate until ready to serve to maintain moisture.
Notes
- Salting the cucumber slices helps prevent soggy sandwiches by removing excess water.
- Feel free to substitute white bread with whole wheat or gluten-free bread if desired.
- Herbed cream cheese adds extra flavor, but softened butter works well for a milder taste.
- These sandwiches are best consumed the same day for optimal freshness.
- If refrigerating, keep them covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture without sogginess.
