Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a delicate and refreshing treat, perfect for afternoon tea or light gatherings. These bite-sized sandwiches feature thinly sliced cucumber, which adds a crisp and cool texture, balanced by a creamy spread of herbed cream cheese. The soft, buttery bread acts as the perfect vessel for this simple yet elegant combination. With a touch of lemon and fresh herbs, these sandwiches are light, flavorful, and just the right balance of savory and fresh. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing option for any special occasion or simply to enjoy as a light snack.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread (crusts removed)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or mint) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, fresh dill (or chives), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a sharp knife, trim the crusts off the bread slices to make the edges neat. You can also cut the bread into halves or quarters to create smaller, more elegant sandwiches, or leave them as full slices if preferred.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Layer the thin cucumber slices on top of the spread. Be sure not to overlap the cucumbers too much, as you want the flavor to shine through.
- Finish and Serve: Close the sandwich by placing another slice of bread on top, cream cheese side down. Press gently to help them hold together. Slice the sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles for a traditional tea sandwich presentation.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or mint on top of each sandwich for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Serve the cucumber tea sandwiches immediately, or wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep them fresh.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are light, refreshing, and make a perfect addition to any tea party or light lunch. Their delicate flavors and beautiful presentation will surely impress your guests, making them a timeless classic for any occasion.
