Tea Party Sandwiches Recipe

Tea party sandwiches are the perfect way to impress your guests with a variety of flavors and textures.

From creamy cucumber and dill to savory smoked salmon, these delightful finger sandwiches will elevate your afternoon tea or any special gathering. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon with friends, these elegant sandwiches are sure to be a hit.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through four delicious sandwich varieties: Cranberry Chicken, Cucumber Dill, Smoked Salmon, and Egg. Each sandwich offers a unique combination of flavors that are both fresh and satisfying, making them perfect for any tea party spread.

Ingredients List

Cranberry Chicken Sandwich

• 3 boneless chicken breasts
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 oz cranberries
• 1 sprig watercress
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 6 slices potato bread

Cucumber Dill Sandwich

• ½ large cucumber
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch salt
• Fresh dill (chopped)
• 6 slices potato bread

Smoked Salmon Sandwich

• 1 package smoked salmon
• ½ cucumber
• 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
• Fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 slices pumpernickel bread

Egg Sandwich

• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 pinch paprika
• 6 slices potato bread

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing these delightful tea party sandwiches, the right tools will make your work easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

1. Sharp Knife or Mandoline: To slice the cucumber and other ingredients thinly, ensuring the sandwiches are delicate and easy to bite into.
2. Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for the fillings.
3. Piping Bag: To add a decorative touch with the cream cheese mixture on the smoked salmon sandwiches.
4. Butter Knife: To spread the cream cheese mixture or butter evenly onto the bread.
5. Cutting Board: For preparing the ingredients and assembling the sandwiches.
6. Bread Knife: To remove crusts and cut the sandwiches into perfectly neat shapes.

Having these tools at your disposal will help you create these tea party sandwiches with ease and finesse. Now, let’s get started with the preparation!

Sandwich Preparation

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step preparation of each tea party sandwich. Each of these sandwiches features a unique filling that’s easy to prepare and beautifully complements the light, fluffy bread.

Cranberry Chicken Sandwich

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and thyme. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Once the chicken is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before shredding it into roughly 1 ½-inch pieces.
2. Smash the Cranberries:
   Halve the cranberries and mash them in a bowl to release their juices. This will help create a sweet and tangy element to balance the richness of the chicken.
3. Make the Mayonnaise Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the smashed cranberries and mayonnaise mixture until fully combined.
   Butter the slices of potato bread lightly, then spread a generous amount of the chicken mixture on one slice of bread. Top with a few leaves of fresh watercress for a peppery crunch. Cut off the crusts and slice into rectangles.

Cucumber Dill Sandwich

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the chopped fresh dill until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
2. Slice the Cucumber:
   Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumber into paper-thin slices. This ensures that the cucumber won’t overpower the delicate cream cheese mixture.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on the slices of potato bread. Layer the cucumber slices on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
   Cut off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into rectangles for a neat and tidy presentation.

Smoked Salmon Sandwich

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   Using the same cream cheese mixture from the cucumber dill sandwiches, spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture onto slices of pumpernickel bread. The slightly earthy flavor of pumpernickel pairs wonderfully with the rich cream cheese.
2. Add the Cucumber and Salmon:
   Layer thinly sliced cucumber over the cream cheese. Then, add a few slices of smoked salmon, arranging them evenly across the bread.
3. Cut and Garnish:
   Use a round cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the sandwich into a neat circle. Transfer some of the remaining cream cheese mixture to a piping bag and pipe a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each sandwich. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill to add a touch of elegance and color.

Egg Sandwich

1. Prepare the Egg Filling:
   In a mixing bowl, mash the hard-boiled eggs using a fork. Add the softened butter, mayonnaise, and a pinch of paprika. Stir in some finely chopped watercress for a fresh bite. Mix everything until fully combined, and season with salt to taste.
2. Butter the Bread:
   Butter the slices of potato bread lightly to add richness to the sandwich and to help seal the edges. Then, spread a generous amount of the egg mixture onto the bread.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Once the filling is on the bread, cut off the crusts and slice the sandwiches into neat rectangles for a classic finger sandwich shape.

Serving and Decoration

Final Touches for a Beautiful Presentation

Once you’ve assembled all your sandwiches, it’s time to make them truly shine with some simple yet elegant touches. These finishing steps will not only make your tea party sandwiches look stunning but also add a burst of flavor.

• For the Cranberry Chicken Sandwich:
  To elevate the look, you can garnish with a small sprig of watercress on top or even sprinkle a few more crushed cranberries for added color and texture. These small details will make your sandwiches stand out on the tea table.
• For the Cucumber Dill Sandwich:
  A light dusting of extra dill or lemon zest on top of the sandwiches can add a fresh and aromatic touch. You could even consider adding a thin cucumber ribbon around the sandwich for extra flair.
• For the Smoked Salmon Sandwich:
  A delicate sprig of dill on top is all you need to complete these luxurious-looking sandwiches. The green herb contrasts beautifully with the smoked salmon, adding both color and fragrance.
• For the Egg Sandwich:
  A sprinkle of paprika or a few extra watercress leaves on top can give the egg sandwiches a little extra pop of flavor and style.

How to Serve Tea Party Sandwiches

Tea party sandwiches are traditionally served as small, bite-sized finger foods. For the best experience, arrange them on a beautiful platter, mixing and matching the different types for variety. You can stack them neatly or fan them out in a circular arrangement for visual appeal.

To further enhance the tea party experience, pair these sandwiches with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or a fragrant jasmine blend. Add some scones, clotted cream, and jam, and you have the perfect spread for an afternoon gathering.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Tea Party Sandwiches Fresh

While tea party sandwiches are best served fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Place parchment paper between layers of sandwiches to prevent them from sticking together. Keep the sandwiches in the fridge for up to 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.

If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the sandwiches, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Make sure to remove them from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature and taste their best.

Conclusion

Tea party sandwiches are an elegant and versatile addition to any special occasion. From the creamy, tangy Cucumber Dill Sandwich to the indulgent Smoked Salmon Sandwich, each variety offers a delightful flavor profile that will satisfy your guests’ taste buds. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a beautiful spread that’s perfect for tea parties, picnics, or just an afternoon treat.

By following the instructions in this recipe, you’ll be able to craft the perfect finger sandwiches that not only look gorgeous but also taste amazing. Don’t forget to get creative with your garnishes and serve them with your favorite teas to complete the experience!