Description
Delicate cucumber sandwiches whisper British elegance with their crisp, refreshing charm. Slender white bread layered with creamy spread and cucumber slices promises a delightful afternoon tea experience you’ll savor with refined pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
Dairy and Spread Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
Seasoning and Herb Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Delicately remove cucumber skin in alternating stripes, then slice into gossamer-thin 1/8-inch (0.3 centimeters) rounds using a mandolin or precision knife.
- Arrange cucumber slices on absorbent paper towels, generously dust with coarse salt, and allow 15-30 minutes for moisture extraction.
- Gently blot cucumber slices with fresh paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh dill, chopped chives, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt using a handheld electric mixer until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously spread the herbed cream cheese mixture onto one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Artfully arrange cucumber slices across half of the prepared bread slices, creating an elegant layer.
- Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the cucumber layers to enhance flavor complexity.
- Crown the sandwiches by placing remaining bread slices cream cheese-side down, creating eight complete sandwiches.
- With a sharp chef’s knife, precisely slice each sandwich into four equal triangular segments, cutting cleanly through all layers.
- Plate the 32 delicate tea sandwiches immediately and serve at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Cucumber Prep Matters: Salting and draining cucumber slices prevents soggy sandwiches, ensuring a crisp and refreshing texture.
- Spread Consistency is Key: Whip cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy for the perfect spreadable consistency that enhances overall sandwich flavor.
- Thin Slicing Technique: Using a mandolin or sharp knife creates uniform, delicate cucumber slices that layer beautifully without bulkiness.
- Quick Cutting Hack: Quartering sandwiches creates elegant tea-sized bites perfect for elegant gatherings or casual afternoon snacks.
- Serving Tip: Enjoy immediately after preparation to maintain bread’s softness and preserve the fresh, vibrant flavors of herbs and cucumber.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare spread and cucumber slices in advance, assembling sandwiches just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg