Cucumber Sandwiches
Craving a light, refreshing snack? Cucumber sandwiches are the perfect choice. These delicate, bite-sized treats are a favorite at afternoon teas, offering a delightful combination of creamy, herbed spread and crisp cucumber slices.
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Knife or Mandoline
- Butter Knife or Spatula
- Bread Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 loaf white bread (or bread of choice, crusts removed)
Instructions
- Start by mixing the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to combine these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once blended, stir in the fresh dill, chives, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This herb-infused cream cheese spread will be the base of your sandwich, offering a rich, flavorful contrast to the crisp cucumbers.
- Next, take your English cucumber and slice it thinly. Using a mandoline slicer is an excellent way to get even, paper-thin slices, but a sharp knife will work just as well. Lay the cucumber slices out on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step is crucial because it helps keep the sandwiches from becoming soggy.
- For the bread, you can use any type you prefer, but traditional cucumber sandwiches are typically made with white bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could opt for whole wheat or a gluten-free alternative. Slice the bread and remove the crusts, if desired, to create a smooth, elegant appearance. Once the bread is prepared, it’s ready for the cream cheese spread.
- Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of creaminess. Once the spread is applied, place the thinly sliced cucumber over half of the bread slices. You can layer the cucumber slices as evenly as possible for a neat and uniform look. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra dill or chives on top of the cucumbers for added flavor and decoration.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top of the cucumber-filled ones to complete the sandwich. If you like, remove the crusts for a more refined look. While this is optional, removing the crusts gives the sandwiches a clean, delicate appearance that’s often preferred for tea-time presentations.
- Cucumber sandwiches are best served immediately to preserve the freshness and crunch of the cucumber. However, if you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep the sandwiches in the fridge to maintain their freshness. If serving later, it’s a good idea to cover the sandwiches with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out.