Cucumber sandwiches are made with crisp slices of cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, layered between fresh pieces of bread.

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Elegant cucumber sandwiches are delicious and perfect for teas, luncheons, or picnics. Creamy dill-flavored cream cheese is spread between fresh pieces of bread for simple finger food that is light and tasty.

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Cucumber Sandwiches

You’ll feel as if you were dining in high society as you enjoy these perfectly delightful cucumber sandwiches.

With crisp slices of cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, these lovely sandwiches are ideal to serve for lunch or an English-style tea party.

Made with just a handful of ingredients, this simple finger food is refreshing with every bite.

Cool, fresh, and delicious, cucumber sandwiches are ideal for a baby shower, bridal shower, Mother’s Day, or Easter. 

Delightfully satisfying, these simple sandwiches only take 20 minutes to put together.

Always a crowd-pleaser, serve these charming cucumber sandwiches with a glass of hot or iced tea.

Cucumber Sandwiches Ingredients

• Cream cheese 
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Onion powder
• Pepper - black pepper
• Lemon - lemon zest
• Lemon - lemon juice + lemon zest
• Dill - fresh dill chopped
• Cucumber - English cucumber
• Bread - whole wheat bread or light rye bread

Substitutions and Additions

CUCUMBERS: If you can't find English cucumbers, regular cucumbers will work just fine, but make sure to peel them and remove the seeds before slicing.

CREAM CHEESE: Don't have cream cheese on hand? No worries!

You can swap it out with softened goat cheese for a tangy twist or with a smooth and mild-flavored Boursin cheese for a delightful variation.

You can also use flavored cream cheese instead of plain.

DILL: If you're not a fan of dill or simply don't have it available, fresh chives or parsley can step in to provide a burst of fresh herbiness.

MAYONNAISE: While mayonnaise adds creaminess, you can replace it with Greek yogurt.

The yogurt will still give a lovely texture and a slightly tangy taste.

LEMON JUICE: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright zing, but if lemons aren't accessible, try using lime juice instead for a different citrusy note that complements the other flavors beautifully.

GARLIC POWDER: A dash of extra flavor that can be added along with the onion powder.

SALT AND PEPPER: Seasonings are often adjustable based on personal preferences.

Experiment with various flavored salts or pepper blends, such as lemon pepper or chili-infused salt, to add a unique twist to the sandwiches.

ONION: You can add raw onion, thinly sliced scallions, or shallots for a milder, more subtle onion flavor.

TOMATOES: Want to make the sandwiches more colorful and juicy? Add a thin slice of ripe tomato, or if you prefer a sweeter option, try using roasted red bell peppers instead.

How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches

FIRST STEP: Mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill.

You can use a hand mixer to quickly beat together the cream cheese mixture, just be sure the cream cheese is softened well before trying to mix.

SECOND STEP: Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber into extra-thin slices.

THIRD STEP: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each piece of bread.

Spreading cream cheese on the bread helps act as a barrier between the sliced cucumbers and the bread to avoid the risk of the bread getting soggy. 

FOURTH STEP: Place a layer of cucumber slices onto a piece of bread over the cream cheese layer. Overlap the cucumbers slightly.

FIFTH STEP: Assemble the sandwich by placing the second slice of prepared bread onto the cucumber layer.

The cucumbers will be sandwiched between two cream cheese layers and the bread slices.

SIXTH STEP: Cut the crusts from the sandwich to form a square.

Cut the sandwich on the diagonal to form two triangular sandwiches.

SEVENTH STEP: Continue assembling sandwiches until you have used the whole loaf of bread.

How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are refreshing and perfect for light lunches, afternoon tea, or any time you want something flavorful yet light.

Here are different serving options to enjoy:

CLASSIC PAIRING: Savor the timeless combination of cucumber sandwiches and a steaming cup of your favorite tea.

The mild, cool crunch of the cucumber blends with the soothing warmth of the tea, creating a delightful contrast that will elevate your tea time.

GARDEN FRESH: Create a garden-inspired meal by serving cucumber sandwiches alongside a crisp green salad.

Combine fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, and a zesty vinaigrette to enhance the overall flavor profile.

The sandwich's lightness complements the vibrant salad, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or a side dish at a dinner party.

FOR BRUNCH: Take your brunch game to the next level by including cucumber sandwiches as part of your spread.

Pair them with an assortment of other finger sandwiches like egg salad, smoked salmon, or chicken salad.

The combination of flavors and textures will keep your guests coming back for more.

Add a side of fresh fruit and a mimosa or fruit-infused water to complete the brunch experience.

FOR PICNICS: Pack a basket with cucumber sandwiches, some crunchy chips, and refreshing lemonade, and head to the park for a picnic.

The sandwiches' easy-to-handle size and portability make them a picnic favorite. Their light and refreshing taste make for a pleasant outdoor dining experience on a warm day.

PARTY PLATTER: When hosting a gathering, create a party platter with cucumber sandwiches as the centerpiece.

Surround them with an array of finger foods, such as cheese and crackers, stuffed mushrooms, and stuffed olives.

This presentation not only looks nice but also offers something for everyone's taste preferences.

How to Store Cucumber Sandwiches 

MAKE AHEAD: Good news! These cucumber sandwiches can be made ahead of time to save you some effort on busy days or for entertaining guests.

To do this, prepare the sandwiches as usual, following the recipe instructions.

Once assembled, place the sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

For the best results, try to consume them within 24 hours of making them.

This way, you can still relish the crunch and freshness of the cucumbers.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have any leftover cucumber sandwiches or want to store a batch for later snacking, keeping them in the fridge is the way to go.

Place the sandwiches in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Make sure to refrigerate them promptly after making them, and they'll stay fresh for up to two days.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing these cucumber sandwiches as the cucumbers will lose their crisp texture.

With refreshing cucumber slices sandwiched between soft, cream cheese-laden bread, these are the perfect light lunch, afternoon snack, or even a party appetizer.

They are incredibly easy to make and also offer a burst of freshness and flavor in every bite.

This makes them a go-to option for hot summer days or any time you crave something light and delicious.

So, if you're looking for a fuss-free, simple treat, give these cucumber sandwiches a try!

Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are made with crisp slices of cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, layered between fresh pieces of bread.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 20 sandwiches

Calories 1390 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• cream cheese (*softened) 8 ounces
• mayonnaise ¼ cup
• sour cream ¼ cup
• onion powder ⅛ teaspoon
• black pepper ¼ teaspoon
• lemon zest 1 teaspoon
• lemon juice 2 tablespoons
• fresh dill (*chopped) 2 tablespoons
• English cucumber 1
• loaf whole-wheat bread (*or light rye bread) 1

DIRECTIONS

 

• Mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
• Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber into extra-thin slices.
• Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each piece of bread.
• Place a layer of cucumber slices onto a piece of bread over the cream cheese layer. Overlap the cucumbers slightly.
• Assemble the sandwich by placing the second slice of prepared bread onto the cucumber layer (the cucumbers will be sandwiched between two cream cheese layers and the bread slices.
• Cut the crusts from the sandwich to form a square. Cut the sandwich on the diagonal to form two triangular sandwiches.
• Continue assembling sandwiches until you have used the whole loaf of bread.

Notes

• The lemon and sour cream add a little zing to the cream cheese mixture. They also add flavor and break up the thick creaminess of the cream cheese.
• Use an English cucumber - they are very large - you only need one to make sandwiches with a whole loaf of bread. The skins are thin and don’t have to be peeled, and there are not many seeds.
• You can use a hand mixer to quickly beat together the cream cheese mixture. Be sure the cream cheese is softened well before trying to mix.
• A mandoline is the best way to slice very thin, even cucumber slices. You can get a huge number of slices from one English cucumber - close to 100 slices! Be careful when using a mandoline.

Nutrition

Calories: 1390kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 123g | Saturated Fat: 53g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 258mg | Sodium: 1362mg | Potassium: 947mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 3611IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 396mg | Iron: 3mg

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