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Classic Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe

4.4 from 145 reviews

Classic Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a light and refreshing snack perfect for afternoon tea or summer gatherings. Thinly sliced cucumbers layered with a creamy dill-infused cream cheese spread on soft white bread create elegant, easy-to-make finger sandwiches that are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 8 slices soft white sandwich bread
  • 1 medium English cucumber, thinly sliced

Cream Cheese Spread

  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp salt, plus a small pinch for draining the cucumber
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain the cucumber: Slice the cucumber very thinly. Sprinkle lightly with a small pinch of salt and place the slices on paper towels or in a fine-mesh strainer for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent soggy sandwiches.
  2. Make the cream cheese spread: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, finely chopped fresh dill, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Prepare the bread: If desired, remove the crusts from the bread slices. Spread the dill cream cheese mixture evenly all the way to the edges of each slice of bread to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches: Place the drained cucumber slices evenly over half of the prepared bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, and press gently to help the sandwiches stick together.
  5. Cut and chill: Cut each sandwich into 4 small triangles or rectangles for easy serving. For best results, cover the sandwiches and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to firm up.

Notes

  • Draining the cucumber slices is essential to avoid soggy sandwiches.
  • Removing crusts is optional but traditional for tea sandwiches.
  • For a healthier twist, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can be substituted.
  • These sandwiches are best served chilled and fresh on the same day.
  • Fresh dill can be replaced with other herbs like chives or tarragon for varied flavors.

Keywords: cucumber tea sandwiches, tea sandwiches, cucumber sandwich, cream cheese sandwich, easy snack, afternoon tea