Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sandwiches are simple yet sophisticated, offering a perfect balance of creamy, crisp, and fresh flavors. They’re ready in minutes, require no cooking, and can be made ahead for gatherings or light snacks. Whether you serve them as finger sandwiches or full-sized portions, they’re always a crowd-pleaser and ideal for warm weather or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed, if desired)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Fresh cucumber (thinly sliced)
- Fresh dill or chives (chopped)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Butter (optional, for spreading)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with dill or chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of bread (optional, helps prevent sogginess).
- Spread the herbed cream cheese evenly over the bread slices.
- Arrange cucumber slices in a single layer over half of the slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down.
- Gently press together, then cut into halves, triangles, or small finger sandwiches.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for extra crispness.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 full sandwiches or 12–16 tea sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Herbed spread: Add parsley, basil, or mint for extra flavor.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter.
- Spicy twist: Mix a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the cream cheese.
- Flavored cream cheese: Try garlic and herb or garden vegetable cream cheese for variety.
- Open-faced style: Skip the top slice of bread and serve as tea-time bites.
Storage/Reheating
Store prepared sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To prevent sogginess, keep the cucumbers and bread separate and assemble just before serving. These sandwiches are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for cucumber sandwiches?
Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread works best because it’s tender and easy to bite.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Lightly butter the bread before spreading the cream cheese to create a barrier against moisture.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, up to 4 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
It’s optional — peel them for a softer texture or leave the skin on for color and crunch.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely, herb or garlic cream cheese adds extra flavor and convenience.
Are these sandwiches vegetarian?
Yes, they’re naturally vegetarian.
Can I add other vegetables?
You can add thinly sliced radishes, tomatoes, or sprouts for variety.
How do I make them look neat for a party?
Remove the crusts and slice them into uniform rectangles or triangles for a clean, elegant look.
Can I use bagels or wraps instead?
Yes, they work great for heartier versions of this sandwich.
Can I serve these for lunch?
Definitely! Add a side of fruit or salad for a light, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches are a classic, refreshing, and elegant option for any occasion. With their smooth cream cheese spread and crisp cucumber slices, they offer a perfect combination of texture and flavor. Simple to make yet undeniably delicious, these sandwiches are ideal for tea time, brunches, or anytime you’re craving something light and satisfying.
PrintCream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches
Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches are light, refreshing tea sandwiches made with soft bread, creamy herbed cream cheese, and crisp cucumber slices — perfect for picnics, brunches, or elegant afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 full sandwiches or 12–16 tea sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed, if desired)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 medium cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or chives (chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for spreading)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dill or chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Optionally, spread a thin layer of butter on each bread slice to prevent sogginess.
- Spread the herbed cream cheese evenly over all bread slices.
- Arrange cucumber slices in a single layer on half of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, and gently press together.
- Trim the crusts (optional) and cut into halves, triangles, or small finger sandwiches.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for extra freshness.
Notes
- Butter helps prevent moisture from the cucumbers soaking into the bread.
- For a lighter version, use whipped or reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Vegan cream cheese works well for a dairy-free option.
- Chill sandwiches before serving to make them easier to slice neatly.
- Best served within 24 hours of making.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
