Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

Fresh & Zesty Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe For Summer Snacking

Cool summer afternoons call for light, refreshing cucumber sandwiches that blend delicate flavors with elegant simplicity.

These classic English cucumber sandwiches bring a touch of sophistication to afternoon tea or casual gatherings.

Thin, crisp cucumber slices nestled between soft white bread create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting these delicate, creamy treats.

Minimal preparation and just a few quality components ensure a quick and satisfying snack.

Crisp cucumbers, smooth cream cheese, and soft bread come together in a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

You’ll love how these simple sandwiches can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Refreshing Cucumber Sandwiches Everyone Will Love

  • Crisp Flavor Explosion: Southern fried shrimp delivers a mouthwatering crunch with a perfectly seasoned coating that bursts with classic southern spices.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and friends without requiring advanced cooking skills.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or as a delightful appetizer that pairs wonderfully with multiple side dishes and dipping sauces.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Easy to adjust heat intensity by modifying cayenne pepper amount, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Ingredients for Cucumber Sandwiches

Main Ingredients:
  • Bread Slices: Soft white bread that provides the base for the classic cucumber sandwich.
  • Cucumber: Fresh, crisp cucumber slices that add a cool and refreshing crunch to the sandwich.
Spread Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich spread for the sandwich.
  • Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, aromatic flavors to the cream cheese mixture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the sandwich spread.

How to Make Classic Cucumber Sandwiches

Step 1: Whip the Creamy Spread

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture that’s light and fluffy.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread Canvas

Lay out bread slices on a clean cutting board, creating pairs side by side. Generously slather the creamy spread across each slice, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.

Step 3: Layer the Crisp Cucumber

Carefully place cucumber slices along one half of the prepared bread. For an extra burst of herbal freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped dill over the cucumber layer.

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich

Gently place the remaining bread slices on top of the cucumber-covered pieces, creating perfect little sandwiches. Using a sharp knife, slice each sandwich diagonally into four neat triangles.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cucumber sandwiches to a serving platter. These delightful bites are now ready to be devoured at tea parties, brunches, or as a light afternoon snack.

Watch as your guests marvel at these elegant and refreshing treats.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cucumber Sandwiches

  • Pat cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy sandwich bottoms and keeping bread crisp.
  • Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for 30 minutes before spreading to enhance flavor blending and improve spreadability.
  • Use soft, fresh white or whole wheat bread with thin, even slices for a delicate and uniform sandwich texture.
  • Swap dill for fresh chives, basil, or tarragon to create unique flavor variations and personalize the sandwich profile.
  • Prepare cucumber sandwiches just before serving to maintain bread's crunchiness and prevent sogginess from cucumber moisture.

Variations on Cucumber Sandwiches to Try

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular bread with gluten-free white or whole grain bread slices, keeping all other ingredients the same for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cucumber Spread: Swap cream cheese and mayonnaise with cashew cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise, using plant-based ingredients to create a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cucumber Wrap: Replace bread with large lettuce leaves or cucumber rounds as a base, using the same herbed cream cheese spread for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add thin slices of roasted red pepper, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and use basil instead of dill to create a Mediterranean-inspired cucumber sandwich variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Cucumber Sandwiches

  • Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the cucumber's cool, crisp nature and matches the herb-infused cream cheese spread.
  • Sparkling Beverage Companion: Choose a chilled sparkling water with cucumber or mint essence to enhance the sandwich's delicate flavors and provide a clean, effervescent contrast.
  • Chilled Summer Cocktail: Mix a classic gin and tonic with extra cucumber garnish, echoing the sandwich's fresh ingredients and creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Light Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, tangy element that balances the creamy, herbal sandwich and provides a textural counterpoint.

Storing Cucumber Sandwiches the Right Way

  • Store cucumber sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness.
  • Keep cucumber slices and cream cheese spread separate in sealed containers. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent bread from getting soggy.
  • Avoid freezing completed cucumber sandwiches as cream cheese and cucumbers lose texture and become watery when thawed.
  • Gently warm sandwiches at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Do not microwave, as this will make bread soggy and cream cheese runny.

FAQs

  • Are cucumber sandwiches healthy?

Cucumber sandwiches can be a light and refreshing option. They’re low in calories, provide hydration from cucumbers, and offer some nutritional benefits from fresh vegetables and herbs.

  • Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use whole wheat, sourdough, rye, or gluten-free bread. Choose a soft, fresh bread that complements the delicate cream cheese spread.

  • How do I prevent soggy sandwiches?

Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels before adding to sandwiches. Use a thick cream cheese spread as a barrier between bread and cucumbers to prevent moisture absorption.

Print
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Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful cucumber sandwiches bring classic British tea time elegance to your table with crisp, refreshing layers. Creamy spread, delicate bread, and cool cucumber slices create a perfect light bite you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf soft white bread, crusts removed
  • 1 English cucumber, peeled every other strip and sliced thin

Dairy and Spread Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Whip the cream cheese mixture using an electric mixer until it transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend, combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Align bread slices on a flat surface, creating matching pairs side by side.
  3. Generously distribute the cream cheese mixture across each bread slice, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Layer cucumber slices on one half of the prepared bread, creating a fresh, crisp foundation.
  5. Enhance the cucumber layer with a delicate sprinkle of additional chopped dill for an elevated flavor profile.
  6. Carefully position the remaining bread slices atop the cucumber-laden pieces, creating a complete sandwich.
  7. Slice each sandwich diagonally into four triangular segments, presenting an elegant and bite-sized appetizer perfect for gatherings or light refreshments.

Notes

  • Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure smoother, easier mixing and prevent lumpy spread.
  • Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline for uniform, delicate layers that won’t overwhelm the sandwich.
  • Consider using English cucumber varieties which have fewer seeds and softer skin for more refined texture.
  • For gluten-free option, swap traditional bread with gluten-free white or whole grain bread slices without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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