Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cheese

This creamy cucumber sandwich recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant teatime treat or light lunch. The combination of herbed cream cheese and crisp cucumber creates a refreshing bite that's both satisfying and delicate.

I first made these cucumber sandwiches for my daughter's birthday tea party, and they disappeared faster than any other food on the table. Now they're requested at every family gathering during the warmer months.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: The foundation of the spread, choose full-fat for the best flavor and texture
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps create a spreadable consistency
• Fresh dill: Brings bright herbal notes that complement cucumber perfectly
• Fresh chives: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the delicate sandwich
• Garlic powder: Just a touch provides depth without being too aggressive
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors
• English cucumber: Look for firm cucumbers with minimal seeds for the crispest texture
• White bread: Traditional choice for tea sandwiches, but any soft bread works beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the spread:

Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise together until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for best results. Blend until no lumps remain for a velvety texture.

Add the seasonings:

Fold in fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Prepare the bread:

Remove crusts from bread slices using a sharp knife. This creates the classic dainty tea sandwich appearance and ensures consistent texture. Set aside crusts for making breadcrumbs or croutons if desired.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on each bread slice. Arrange thin cucumber slices in a slightly overlapping pattern on half of the bread slices. Place remaining bread slices on top, pressing gently to secure.

Cut and serve:

Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich into three rectangular pieces or triangles. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Pin

You Must Know

The humble cucumber is what makes these sandwiches truly special. I learned from my grandmother that slicing them paper-thin transforms the texture completely, making each bite delicately crisp rather than watery or bulky.

Storage Tips

If making ahead, assemble sandwiches completely but wait to cut them until just before serving. Place a very slightly damp paper towel over the sandwiches, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents the bread from drying out while keeping the filling from making it soggy. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Variations to Try

The basic recipe is wonderful, but you can easily customize these sandwiches to suit your taste. Try adding lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for brightness, or swap the dill for fresh mint or basil in the summer. For a heartier sandwich, add thin slices of smoked salmon or radish along with the cucumber. The herbed cream cheese spread is also delicious as a dip for fresh vegetables or spread on bagels.

Pin

Tea Pairing Suggestions

These delicate sandwiches pair beautifully with traditional afternoon teas. Try serving them with Earl Grey for a classic combination, or choose a light green tea or chamomile for a more subtle pairing. During warmer months, these sandwiches are wonderful alongside iced mint tea or a sparkling elderflower drink for a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these cucumber sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For best results, add the cucumber slices just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

→ What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

If fresh herbs aren't available, you can substitute dried herbs at a ratio of 1:3 (1 teaspoon dried for 3 teaspoons fresh). For this spread, use about 2/3 teaspoon dried dill and 1/3 teaspoon dried chives. The flavor won't be quite as bright, but it will still be delicious.

→ What bread works best for cucumber sandwiches?

Traditional cucumber sandwiches use white bread for its soft texture and mild flavor that doesn't compete with the filling. However, you can experiment with whole wheat, pumpernickel, or sourdough for different flavor profiles. The key is choosing bread that's fresh and can be easily cut into delicate pieces after removing the crusts.

→ How do I prevent my cucumber sandwiches from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels before assembling. The cream cheese mixture also creates a barrier that helps protect the bread. If making ahead, store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

→ What can I serve with cucumber sandwiches?

Cucumber sandwiches pair beautifully with afternoon tea, especially Earl Grey or English Breakfast. They're also lovely alongside other tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, fresh fruit, or light soups for a complete lunch. For parties, they complement cocktails, champagne, or light white wines.

→ How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

Aim for very thin slices, approximately 1/8-inch thick. This creates the ideal texture and ensures the sandwiches aren't too bulky. Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve consistent, paper-thin slices, but a sharp knife works well too. English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.