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cucumber tea sandwiches recipe featured
Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Classic British cucumber tea sandwiches feature crisp English cucumber slices in a herbed cream cheese spread on soft white bread—crustless, chilled, and elegantly simple. Perfect for afternoon tea, this no-cook recipe yields 40 delicate bites with refreshing crunch and creamy balance.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 40 servings
Calories: 92
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE HERBED CREAM CHEESE SPREAD:
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Sea salt and white pepper, to taste
  • FOR THE SANDWICHES:
  • 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 loaf thin-sliced white sandwich bread (20-24 slices)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or spoon
  • Mandoline or sharp knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. cucumber tea sandwiches recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise using a hand mixer on low until smooth and fluffy, 1-2 minutes, then fold in dill, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust for balanced tang that enhances the cucumber's subtlety.
  3. Step 2: Slice cucumber paper-thin (1/16-inch), salt lightly in a colander, and drain 10-15 minutes over a bowl, patting dry afterward to eliminate moisture and ensure crisp sandwiches.
  4. Step 3: Spread 1 tbsp herbed cream cheese on bread slices, layer with 4-6 cucumber slices, top with another spread slice, press gently, trim crusts, and cut into 4 triangles per sandwich.
  5. Step 4: Arrange on a platter, garnish with dill, cover with damp parchment and plastic, and chill 30 minutes to 24 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 92 | Carbohydrates: 10 | Protein: 2 | Fat: 5 | Fiber: 1 | Sugar: 2

Notes

STORAGE: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 24 hours. Do not freeze assembled sandwiches.
MAKE AHEAD: Prepare spread and slice cucumber up to 24 hours ahead; assemble fresh.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Neufchâtel for cream cheese; Greek yogurt for mayo; whole grain bread for fiber boost.
PRO TIPS: Use mandoline for uniform thin slices; chill assembly knife for clean cuts; damp parchment prevents drying.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Tiered stand with scones below; pair with Earl Grey tea, quiche, or fruit tarts; finger bowls for elegance.
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