Cucumber Sandwiches (Perfect Finger Food!)

5 from 1 vote

A cucumber sandwich is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make sandwich that is perfect as an appetizer, lunch, or snacks. This delicious recipe is made with a light cream cheese and fresh herbs mixture between cucumber slices and white bread slices, and it takes minutes to prepare a big batch of them.

Contents

🌟 Why this recipe works
🍽 Key Ingredients
🔪 How to make
💭 Cooking tips
📖 Variations
🥗 What to serve with
🙋 Frequently asked questions
🧊 Storing
🍳 Related recipes
👪 Serving size
📋 Recipe

🌟 Why this recipe works

Cucumber sandwiches are a staple classic for afternoon tea sandwiches, and the recipe has been around for centuries. It's easy to make cucumber sandwiches with just a few fresh, quality ingredients that you likely have at home in your pantry!

This recipe uses white bread, which is the traditional choice for cucumber sandwiches, and pickling cucumbers instead of English cucumbers to give the mixture a bit more bite.

The cream cheese and mayo give the sandwich a rich and creamy flavor, while the dill and lime juice add a bit of zing and freshness. The sugar balances out the acidity of the lime juice and gives the cream cheese spread a slight sweetness.

And if you're making this sandwich for a crowd, this cucumber sandwich recipe is perfect for doubling and tripling the quantity. They're the perfect finger food for afternoon tea, picnics, and potlucks.

Whether you're looking for an easy summer lunch or a tasty snack, cucumber tea sandwiches are a great option. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

🍽 Key Ingredients

What makes this 5-minute cucumber sandwich so good is the cream cheese mixture that uses staple pantry ingredients and some fresh dill to give it a lovely distinct flavor.

Bread - The type of bread we're using in this is white bread, as it is the classic bread for cucumber tea sandwiches.

Cream cheese - This ingredient gives the sandwich a rich and creamy flavor.

Mayo - Mayo helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the sandwich spread a bit of moisture.

Pickling cucumbers - You'll want to use pickling cucumbers for this recipe as they are less watery than English cucumbers.

Red onion - The red onion gives the sandwich a bit of sweetness and crunch.

Fresh dill - Dill is a key ingredient in this sandwich as it gives it a nice flavor.

Lime juice - The lime juice adds a bit of acidity and brightness to the sandwich.

Sugar - Sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the lime juice and gives the sandwich a slight sweetness.

Substitutions

Bread

The type of bread you use is up to you. You can swap the white bread for whole wheat bread or even gluten-free bread.

Cream cheese

If you don't have cream cheese, you can use sour cream.

Pickling cucumbers

An alternative to pickling cucumbers can be English cucumbers. You will need to add ½ cup of mayo if the cucumbers are watery.

Red onion

If you don't have red onion, you can use white onion.

Lime

Use lemon juice as a substitute for lime.

🔪 How to make

This cucumber sandwich recipe is so delicious that you'll want to make them again and again! And they're so easy to make in minutes without using any kitchen equipment. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below and enjoy.

Preparations

Step 1
Wash and peel the cucumbers.

Step 2
Dice the red onion and chop the fresh dill.

Cooking instructions

Step 3
Combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, chopped dill, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Use a hand mixer or spoon to mix well.

Step 4
Cut cucumber slices into ⅛ inch using a mandolin or sharp knife.

Step 5
Cut the crusts from the bread to make squares.

Step 6
Lay half the bread slices onto a cleaned table and spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top.

Step 6
Place thinly sliced cucumber, fresh cracked black pepper, and additional freshly chopped dill on top of the cream cheese spread.

Step 7
Place the second piece of bread on top, then carefully cut the cucumber sandwiches into 4 triangles or squares.

💭 Cooking tips

Room temperature cream cheese

Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing so that it spreads easily.

Use plastic wrap

When making the easy cucumber sandwiches, cover your work surface with plastic wrap for quick cleanup.

📖 Variations

Cheddar and chive cucumber sandwiches

This variation is typical in some parts of England, and the addition of cheddar cheese and fresh chives adds layers of flavor to the cucumber sandwich. Swap the dill for the fresh chives in the creamy mayo mixture and lay thin slices of cheddar cheese over the sliced cucumbers.

Egg and cucumber finger sandwiches

For a heartier cucumber sandwich, add two hard-boiled eggs that have been peeled and diced. Add the egg to the cream cheese & mayo mixture, then layer the sliced cucumbers and mixture on top of the buttered bread.

Paprika cucumber sandwiches

This variation is common in Hungary and Serbia. The addition of paprika to the cream cheese & mayo mixture gives the cucumber sandwich a nice flavor. 1 tablespoon is all you need to be mixed into the filling.

🥗 What to serve with

Cucumber sandwiches are traditionally served as a tea sandwich with English scones, deviled eggs, and cakes. Here are a few delicious recipes to serve with your cucumber sandwich.

Deviled Eggs

Smoked salmon deviled eggs: These deviled eggs are made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, dill, and lemon juice. They're perfect for a tea party or as an appetizer.

Curried deviled eggs: These deviled eggs are made with a spicy curry mayo mixture and sprinkled with paprika.

Bacon deviled eggs: These deviled

Cake

Lemon raspberry pound cake: This lemon raspberry pound cake recipe is moist, light, and full of flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to cucumber sandwiches.

Carrot cake cupcakes: These carrot cake cupcakes are filled with raisins and a host of warm spices along with a creamy cream cheese frosting.

Scones

Chocolate chip scones: unlike the standard tall scones, this chocolate chip variation turns them into long scones filled with dark chocolate chips. They're sweet, crunchy, and take 40 minutes to prepare. They're delicious!

🙋 Frequently asked questions

How to prevent soggy cucumber sandwiches?

If you want to avoid soggy cucumber sandwiches, slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly. Pat the cucumbers dry with a piece of paper towel or a napkin to absorb any excess moisture, especially if using English cucumbers.

Can I make cucumber sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time and refrigerate them. I recommend up to 4 hours before serving. For best results, place the finger sandwiches on their side on a parchment paper-lined tray and cover it with plastic wrap. Serve cucumber sandwiches straight from the fridge.

🧊 Storing

This cucumber sandwich recipe is delicious when served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge.

Fridge - Transfer leftover cucumber sandwiches to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

The leftover cream cheese mixture can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Try these delicious recipes in your next meal.

👪 Serving size

This cucumber sandwich recipe yields 24 cucumber finger sandwiches. The recipe can easily be scaled to cater to your needs.

These delicious sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit at any tea party, and when served with irresistible scones and deviled eggs, you have a perfect English tea!

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