Name: Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced); 8 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed); Optional: thinly sliced red onion or microgreens for garnish

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If you’re looking for a light, elegant bite that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than Cucumber Sandwiches. This classic British staple pairs cool, crisp cucumbers with a creamy, herby filling and pillowy-soft bread for the ultimate finger food. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon tea, a festive bridal shower, or simply craving something refreshing on a sunny day, these dainty sandwiches are simple to make and endlessly satisfying.

Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create Cucumber Sandwiches with delicately balanced flavors and textures. Each component plays a starring role in making these sandwiches ultra-refreshing, creamy, and visually inviting.

English cucumber: Known for its mild flavor and tender skin, this cucumber provides perfect crunch without bitterness.
Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread: Choose a fresh, bakery-style loaf with the crusts removed for that classic finger-sandwich look and a cloudlike bite.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy base brings richness and helps the filling hold together the impressively crisp cucumbers.
Mayonnaise: For extra smoothness and just a hint of tang to the spread.
Fresh dill (chopped): Vibrant, aromatic dill lifts the flavor and gives your filling a fresh-from-the-garden sparkle.
Lemon juice: A dash of lemon keeps the filling light and bright, and balances the creamy elements.
Garlic powder: For a subtle savory note that complements the dill and cucumber beautifully.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out those gentle veggie flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and bite to round out the filling.
Optional thinly sliced red onion or microgreens (for garnish): These add a delicate pop of color, crunch, and a whisper of extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until silky smooth and fully blended. The goal is a spread that’s creamy and herby, without any lumps—give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a bit more punch or a fresher zing from the lemon.

Step 2: Dry the Cucumber Slices

After you’ve sliced your English cucumber as thinly as possible, gently pat each slice dry with a paper towel. This step is a true secret weapon: removing extra moisture keeps your Cucumber Sandwiches from going soggy, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out your bread slices and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each one, making sure to cover edge-to-edge for maximum flavor in every bite. Evenly layer cucumber slices on half of the bread pieces, gently overlapping if needed for full coverage.

Step 4: Add Garnishes (Optional)

If you want extra flair, top the cucumbers with a whisper of thinly sliced red onion or a handful of delicate microgreens. These simple garnishes put a pretty, vibrant finishing touch on your Cucumber Sandwiches.

Step 5: Top and Slice

Place the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, over the cucumber-topped pieces. Press gently to set everything together. Using a sharp knife, trim off the crusts for that authentic tea party feel, then slice each sandwich into halves or quarters—either way, you end up with perfect little bites that practically invite you to pop them straight onto a platter!

How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber Sandwiches Garnishes

Give your platter some extra sparkle by sprinkling on a bit more fresh dill, or adding curls of thinly sliced red onion and a handful of microgreens. Edible flowers, like violets or nasturtiums, make a truly special look if you’re serving Cucumber Sandwiches at a high tea or celebratory gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair these sandwiches with a colorful fresh fruit salad, tangy pickles, or dainty cheese cubes for a light lunch spread. They’re a classic companion to a pot of strong black tea, but icy lemonade or sparkling water with citrus is a fabulous summery match, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Cucumber Sandwiches look absolutely stunning arranged in concentric circles on a cake stand, or fanned out on tiered trays. If you’re planning a picnic or outdoor event, tuck them into parchment-lined wooden boxes for a charming rustic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Cucumber Sandwiches, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream cheese layer helps shield the bread from moisture, but they’re at their freshest within 24 hours of assembly.

Freezing

I recommend avoiding the freezer for this recipe—cucumbers lose their texture and become watery after thawing, which means your lovely Cucumber Sandwiches just won’t hold up as well after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

These are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no reheating required. If they’ve been chilled in the fridge, simply let them sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving to regain their perfect, soft bite.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

You can use regular cucumbers, but I highly recommend peeling them and scooping out the seeds, since their skin is tougher and more bitter. English cucumbers’ delicate texture and mild taste are especially suited to Cucumber Sandwiches.

What’s the best bread for Cucumber Sandwiches?

Classic soft white sandwich bread gives you that traditional tear and fluffiness, but whole wheat works beautifully for more depth. Just make sure it’s nice and fresh—the softer, the better!

How can I keep Cucumber Sandwiches from getting soggy?

PAT your cucumber slices thoroughly with paper towels, and ensure the cream cheese mixture is spread all the way to the bread edges to seal in freshness. Assembling closer to serving time also helps keep each bite crisp.

Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Choose your favorite soft gluten-free bread. For a vegan version, swap in plant-based cream cheese and mayo substitutes. Fresh dill, lemon, and cucumber are naturally vegan delights!

Are Cucumber Sandwiches just for tea parties?

While they’re a tea party icon, Cucumber Sandwiches make a delightful lunch, light snack, or finger food at any celebration. They’re just as delicious at a summer picnic or potluck as they are at a traditional afternoon tea.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring a plate of classic Cucumber Sandwiches into your own kitchen. They’re simple, surprisingly addictive, and perfect for sharing with friends or family on any occasion. Go ahead—pour the tea, make a batch, and enjoy that satisfying crunch and creamy-herby bite.

Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 small sandwiches) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicate and refreshing, these Cucumber Sandwiches are the perfect summer treat. Creamy herbed cheese spread on soft bread with crisp cucumbers make for a delightful tea party or light lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Spread:

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Sandwich:

1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
8 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed)
Optional: thinly sliced red onion or microgreens for garnish

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Prepare Cucumbers: Pat cucumber slices dry. Spread cream cheese mixture on bread slices.
Assemble Sandwiches: Lay cucumber slices on half of the bread. Add optional garnish. Top with remaining bread slices and press gently.
Serve: Cut sandwiches into halves or quarters. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.