Cucumber sandwich: they’re more than just a tea-time classic! These delicate, creamy bites are a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether hosting a garden party, brunch, or just craving a refreshing snack, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of crisp cucumbers and a creamy, herby spread nestled between soft bread is as delightful as it is easy to make.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft these irresistibly dainty sandwiches:
- 12 slices white bread
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh pepper, to taste
How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
1. Prepare the Filling
Start by making the creamy, flavorful filling. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer or spoon until smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers
Peel the cucumber in alternating stripes for a decorative touch. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into ultra-thin 1/8-inch slices.
3. Prep the Bread
Carefully cut the crusts off all slices of bread to create even squares. This step not only adds to the presentation but also makes the sandwiches easier to eat.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of bread.
- Layer the thin cucumber slices over half the bread slices. Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper and a few sprigs of dill for extra flavor.
- Top with the remaining bread slices to create sandwiches.
- Gently cut each sandwich into four equal squares or triangles for serving.
Tips to Prevent Sogginess
Nobody wants a soggy sandwich! Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Choose English cucumbers: They have less water content than regular cucumbers.
- Salt and drain: Sprinkle cucumber slices with salt and place them on paper towels to draw out excess moisture before assembling.
- Double spread: Apply cream cheese to both slices of bread to act as a barrier against moisture.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning a party? These sandwiches are easy to prep ahead of time:
- Filling: Mix the cream cheese spread up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cucumbers: Peel and slice them the day before, but store them on paper towels in a sealed container to keep them crisp.
- Bread: Remove crusts in advance and store the slices in a resealable bag with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun twists:
- Whole wheat bread: Swap out white bread for a nuttier flavor.
- Herb switch: Use parsley, mint, or even basil in place of dill.
- Extra veggies: Add thinly sliced radishes, tomatoes, or even microgreens for a pop of color and flavor.
- Protein boost: Include thinly sliced lox for a luxurious touch.
- Cocktail-style: Serve them open-faced on cocktail bread for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but they have higher water content. Be sure to seed and drain them well to avoid soggy sandwiches.
How far in advance can I make these sandwiches?
Assemble the sandwiches for the best texture for 2-3 hours before serving. For longer storage, keep the components separate.
Can I freeze cucumber sandwiches?
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended as the cucumbers and cream cheese filling don’t thaw well.
Storage Instructions
- Short-term: Store fully assembled sandwiches in an airtight container lined with damp paper towels for up to 3 hours.
- Separate components: If storing longer, keep the bread, cucumbers, and filling separate and assemble just before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
There you have it—a simple yet stunning cucumber sandwich recipe that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting an elegant tea party or just treating yourself to a light snack, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Let me know how yours turns out! 😊
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Cucumber Sandwich Recipe: Perfect for Tea Parties & Snacks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
Description
This cucumber sandwich recipe features a creamy dill spread and thinly sliced cucumbers layered on soft bread. Perfect for tea parties, brunch, or a refreshing snack, these sandwiches are simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumber in stripes for decoration and slice thinly (1/8-inch) using a mandoline or knife.
- Prep the Bread: Remove crusts from the bread to make even squares.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread. Layer cucumber slices on half the bread, sprinkle with fresh pepper and dill, then top with the other bread slices.
- Cut and Serve: Carefully cut sandwiches into 4 small squares or triangles and serve immediately.
Notes
- For crisp cucumbers, sprinkle slices with salt and drain on paper towels before assembling.
- Prep the filling, cucumbers, and bread up to 1 day ahead but assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
- Try variations like adding radishes, tomatoes, or swapping dill for parsley or mint.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg