Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Elevate your afternoon with these classic cucumber tea sandwiches – delicate, refreshing, and absolutely perfect for any elegant gathering. These dainty bites combine crisp cucumber with herb-infused cream cheese for a taste of pure sophistication.

The secret to these showstoppers lies in the perfectly balanced herb cream cheese spread and the properly prepared cucumbers. When done right, these sandwiches deliver a satisfying crunch, creamy richness, and bright herbal notes in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Layer:

• 1 large English cucumber (about 1 lb.), thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For the Herb Spread:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. chives, chopped

For Assembly:

• 8 slices firm sandwich bread (like Pepperidge Farm)

Steps

1. Salt and drain cucumbers: In a medium bowl, toss cucumber slices with 1/2 tsp. salt until evenly coated. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your sandwiches soggy.
2. Prepare cucumbers: Spread salted cucumber slices in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel. Roll up the towel and let stand for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients. The towel should feel damp when unrolled – this means it’s working!
3. Make herb spread: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese (must be at room temperature), mayonnaise, and lemon zest until completely smooth. A few small lumps will make spreading difficult. Fold in dill and chives until evenly distributed.
4. Assemble sandwiches: Spread 1/4 cup herb mixture on each of four bread slices, going right to the edges. Arrange cucumber slices in slightly overlapping rows. Top with remaining bread slices.
5. Final preparation: Using a sharp serrated knife, trim crusts if desired. Cut each sandwich diagonally into triangles or lengthwise into 3-4 fingers. For cleanest cuts, wipe knife between slices.
6. Serve or store: Enjoy immediately, or wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Longer storage may result in soggy bread.

Smart Swaps

• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt (use 2 Tbsp.) for extra protein
• Try watercress or radish slices for variation
• Use whole grain bread for added fiber and nutrition

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories
• Choose high-fiber bread (3+ grams per slice)
• Portion into smaller triangles (6 per sandwich)
• Serve with protein to slow glucose absorption

Pro Tips

• Slice cucumbers paper-thin using a mandoline for consistent thickness
• Pat bread slices with paper towel before spreading to remove excess moisture
• For perfect presentation, chill filled sandwiches for 15 minutes before cutting