Cucumber Sandwiches
These finger sandwiches are an English tradition served with afternoon tea, but I also like to make them for lunch, or really for any gathering. A great appetizer, these tasty little morsels are absolutely delicious and addicting. Plus, they’re really tough to stop eating once you start.
Although these are great served any time, they have become particularly popular at a baby shower, wedding shower, brunch, or an afternoon tea party.
Bread – Use either brown or white sandwich bread or a mix of both. Cucumber sandwiches are usually made with white bread, but I used a combination here with whole wheat bread and white bread and they’re both equally as delicious. Cucumber – My favorite to use are English cucumbers but any kind of cucumber will work. Cheese – I used full fat cream cheese which is the main ingredient in the spread. Feel free to use a light version of cheese which will work just fine. Mayonnaise – I used regular mayonnaise but the light version also works. Herbs – Fresh dill is a must and I love throwing in some chives as well for a mild onion-y flavor. Lemon juice – You’ll want to add a bit of lemon juice as it pairs nicely with the dill and adds a bit of tangy flavor to the cheese spread. Salt and pepper – Just a bit of salt and black pepper to taste.
How Do You Keep Cucumber Sandwiches From Getting Soggy?
The cream cheese spread acts as a wall between the cucumber and bread which means it protects the bread from turning soggy. As an additional step, especially if making ahead of time, salt the cucumbers and let them rest for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes you can rinse them and pat them dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towels. This is a great idea, especially if making them ahead of time.
How Many Sandwiches Do I Serve Per Person For Afternoon Tea?
I would recommend 3-4 sandwiches per person, however it also depends on how big they’ve been sliced.
Leftovers
Wrap leftover cucumber sandwiches well in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing these sandwiches, especially since cucumbers have a high water content.
