Light, elegant, and refreshing, Cucumber Sandwiches are a timeless snack perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or garden parties. Thin slices of cucumber are layered on soft bread with a creamy spread, creating a delicate yet flavorful treat. While simple, these sandwiches have an air of sophistication and are beloved for their cool, crisp texture paired with buttery bread. Best of all, they come together in minutes and can be customized with different herbs, cheeses, or spreads to suit any occasion. Whether served as a dainty appetizer or a light lunch, cucumber sandwiches prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and perfect for entertaining.
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
- Light, refreshing flavor that balances richness with crisp cucumber.
- Customizable with herbs, cheeses, or different bread types.
Cucumber Sandwiches: A Classic Refreshing Bite
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 small sandwiches)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light and refreshing tea sandwiches made with thinly sliced cucumbers, soft bread, and a creamy herbed spread. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on all bread slices.
- Arrange cucumber slices on half of the bread slices, slightly overlapping.
- Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Cut sandwiches into halves or quarters (triangles or rectangles) for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add fresh chives or parsley to the cream cheese spread.
- To keep sandwiches from getting soggy, pat cucumber slices dry before assembling.
- Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cucumbers – thinly sliced for a crisp, refreshing bite.
White sandwich bread (or whole wheat) – soft and pillowy, the classic base.
Cream cheese – smooth and tangy spread that anchors the flavors.
Mayonnaise – adds extra creaminess to the filling.
Fresh dill or chives – bright, herby notes to enhance flavor.
Lemon juice – adds freshness and balances richness.
Salt and black pepper – bring out the cucumber’s flavor.
Butter (optional) – lightly spread to prevent bread from becoming soggy.
Directions
- Wash and thinly slice cucumbers; pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of butter (optional) on each slice of bread to keep it from absorbing moisture.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Arrange cucumber slices in a single layer on half the bread. Top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Trim crusts for a traditional tea sandwich look, then cut into triangles or rectangles.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for best results.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 small tea sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
- Best served fresh.
- If preparing ahead, assemble up to 2 hours in advance and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Avoid refrigerating for too long, as bread may become soggy.
FAQs
What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers are ideal—they’re seedless and have thin skin.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Peeling is optional. Keeping the skin adds color and texture.
Can I make these sandwiches vegan?
Yes—use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise.
How do I keep cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy?
Pat cucumbers dry and spread butter or cream cheese on bread before layering.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, thin slices of Swiss or cheddar can add richness.
What bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread is classic, but whole wheat or sourdough can also be used.
Can I make these the day before?
Not recommended, as cucumbers release moisture. Assemble shortly before serving.
Can I cut them into fun shapes?
Yes, use cookie cutters for themed parties.
Conclusion
Cucumber Sandwiches are an elegant, timeless choice for gatherings or a simple, refreshing snack. With their cool, crisp flavor and creamy spread, they’re easy to make yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. Keep them classic or experiment with herbs and cheeses for your own variation. Simple, delicious, and always charming, cucumber sandwiches will never go out of style.
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