English Cucumber Sandwiches for a Crowd

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to scale up for big events like showers, brunches, or garden parties.
• Delicate flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
• Simple ingredients, minimal prep—just slice, spread, and assemble!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• English cucumbers
• White or whole wheat sandwich bread
• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh herbs (such as dill or chives)
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Wash the English cucumbers and peel if desired. Slice them thinly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread.
4. Layer cucumber slices evenly over half of the bread slices. Avoid overfilling for easier stacking.
5. Top with the remaining bread slices, spread side down.
6. Gently press the sandwiches together and trim off crusts if a neater presentation is desired.
7. Slice each sandwich into quarters or triangles for easy serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 half-sandwiches (or 12 full sandwiches), serving around 12 people as a light snack or 8–10 people if offering alongside other foods. Preparation takes about 20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you expect to serve them later, consider preparing the spread and slicing the cucumbers ahead of time, but assemble just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy. These sandwiches are best served chilled and are not meant for reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole grain, sourdough, or rye bread to suit your preference.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?

You can prepare the spread and slice the cucumbers ahead—but assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving to maintain crispness.

3. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel and apply the spread in a thin, even layer. Assemble close to serving time.

4. Can I add extras to the filling?

Absolutely! Options like thinly sliced radishes, smoked salmon, or a sprinkle of lemon zest all make excellent additions.

5. Are there vegan or dairy-free alternatives?

Yes—use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise to keep the flavor while meeting dietary preferences.

6. What herbs work best?

Dill and chives are classic choices, but you can also experiment with parsley, tarragon, or mint.

7. Can I make them gluten-free?

Certainly! Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread to adapt the recipe.

8. What’s the best way to slice the cucumbers?

Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformly thin slices that layer nicely. You may choose to peel them or leave the skin on.

9. Can I add protein to make them more substantial?

Yes—thin layers of ham, turkey, or even tofu can make the sandwiches more filling without overwhelming the cucumber flavor.

10. How can I keep sandwiches fresh during a long event?

Keep them chilled on a tray over ice or replace with fresh batches periodically to ensure ideal texture.

Conclusion

English cucumber sandwiches are timeless and effortlessly elegant—a crowd-pleasing option that’s simple to make, light in flavor, and flexible enough to customize. Whether for a casual brunch or a formal gathering, they’re bound to be a hit.

English Cucumber Sandwiches for a Crowd

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Light and elegant English cucumber sandwiches layered with thinly sliced cucumbers, creamy herb spread, and soft bread—perfect for serving at showers, brunches, or garden parties.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 half-sandwiches (12 full sandwiches)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 2 large English cucumbers
2. 24 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
3. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
4. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tbsp fresh herbs (such as dill or chives), finely chopped
6. 1/2 tsp salt
7. 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Wash and optionally peel the English cucumbers. Slice them thinly.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread.
3. Layer cucumber slices evenly over half of the bread slices.
4. Top with the remaining bread slices, spread side down.
5. Gently press together and trim crusts if desired.
6. Cut each sandwich into quarters or triangles for serving.

Notes

1. Best served chilled and on the same day.
2. Pat cucumbers dry before layering to prevent sogginess.
3. You can prepare the spread and slice cucumbers ahead but assemble just before serving.
4. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 half-sandwiches
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg