Description
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a classic, light, and refreshing snack perfect for showers, tea parties, or a simple afternoon bite. Delicately layered with thinly sliced cucumbers, a zesty cream cheese spread infused with fresh herbs, and soft sandwich bread, these sandwiches offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cucumber Preparation
- 1 large English cucumber (about 1 lb.), thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Cream Cheese Spread
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
- 2 Tbsp. chopped chives
Sandwich Assembly
- 8 slices firm sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)
Instructions
- Salt the cucumber slices: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced cucumbers with the kosher salt to coat them thoroughly. Spread the cucumber slices evenly on a clean kitchen towel, then roll up the towel and let it sit for a few minutes. This step absorbs excess moisture from the cucumbers to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Make cream cheese spread: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then fold in the chopped fresh dill and chives evenly throughout the spread.
- Build cucumber sandwiches: Arrange four bread slices on a cutting board and spread about 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice. Unroll the towel with the cucumbers and distribute the cucumber slices evenly across the four prepared bread slices, layering the cucumbers on top of the cream cheese spread.
- Top and press sandwiches: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the cucumber layers, pressing down lightly to ensure the sandwiches hold together.
- Slice for serving: If preferred, trim off the crusts from the sandwiches, then cut each sandwich into halves or quarters, creating triangle or finger-sized pieces. Serve immediately or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 hours until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Using an English cucumber provides thinner slices with fewer seeds, which is ideal for delicate tea sandwiches.
- Allowing the cucumbers to sit in the towel is crucial to avoid soggy bread and maintain sandwich texture.
- Herbs like dill and chives add freshness; feel free to adjust or substitute based on preference.
- These sandwiches are best served within 4 hours of preparation for optimal freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
