I absolutely love this Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe because it’s such a refreshing, light, and elegant snack that comes together in no time. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, need a simple appetizer for a summer get-together, or just want a quick yet classy bite, this recipe hits all those notes perfectly.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the creamy herb-spiked cream cheese pairs with the cool, crisp cucumber. It’s that lovely contrast in texture and flavor that keeps you coming back for more. You’ll find that these sandwiches are not only delightful to eat but super easy to make, making them a go-to recipe whenever you want something impressive yet hassle-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find staples with fresh herbs for a gourmet touch.
- Quick to Prepare: You can have these sandwiches ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests.
- Versatile and Elegant: Wonderful for everything from afternoon tea to picnic snacks.
- Customizable Flavor: You can adjust herbs and spreads easily to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together beautifully because it balances creamy richness with fresh brightness. Using softened cream cheese and fresh herbs brings depth of flavor, while crisp cucumbers add that satisfying crunch you’ll absolutely love.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes smoothly for that silky spread.
- Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and moisture to the filling.
- Fresh Dill: Imparts a fragrant, slightly tangy freshness that complements cucumbers perfectly.
- Fresh Chives: A mild onion flavor that lifts the herbs in the cream cheese.
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch for savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- English Cucumber: Thinly sliced for crunch and subtle sweetness; removing seeds isn’t necessary unless you prefer.
- White Bread or Bread of Choice: Crusts removed for that classic tea sandwich look, but feel free to use your favorite bread.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe is—you can tailor it easily to your taste or seasonal availability of herbs. Feel free to experiment to make it your own.
- Variation: I once swapped out the dill and chives for basil and tarragon for a sweeter, more floral note that my guests adored.
- Dairy-free Version: You can use a vegan cream cheese and mayo alternative to make this suitable for dairy allergies without losing that creamy texture.
- Added Crunch: Try adding thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of toasted nuts inside for an unexpected twist.
- Herb Mix: Use whatever fresh herbs you have, like parsley, mint, or cilantro—the flavors blend beautifully and keep things exciting.
How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Herb Cream Cheese Spread
Start by softening your cream cheese—room temperature works best so it mixes easily. Using a hand mixer, blend cream cheese and mayonnaise until silky and smooth. This combo is key for that perfect spreadable texture. Then fold in your fresh dill, chopped chives, garlic powder, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir just enough to combine so the herbs stay fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Prep and Layer the Cucumbers
Thinly slice your English cucumber—don’t skip this step because thin slices ensure the sandwiches aren’t soggy or too bulky. I like to use a mandoline if I’m feeling fancy, but a sharp knife works just fine. Arrange the cucumber slices evenly over half of your bread slices, adding a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs if you want to amps up the flavor even more.
Step 3: Assemble and Shape Your Sandwiches
Spread the herb cream cheese mixture onto one side of the remaining bread slices, then place them on top of the cucumber-layered slices to form sandwiches. If you haven’t removed the crusts yet, now’s the time—it makes for that classic tea sandwich look. Finally, cut each sandwich into three small finger sandwich-sized pieces. They’re perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends better and gives you a silky spread without lumps.
- Dry Your Cucumbers Well: After slicing, pat them with paper towels to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Make Ahead But Don’t Overdo It: Prepare sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance but keep them wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
- Cut with a Sharp Knife: A bread knife or a sharp serrated knife gives you clean edges without squishing the sandwiches.
How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a small sprig of fresh dill or a tiny chive curl atop each sandwich for a pretty presentation and an extra pop of herb flavor. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper adds color without overpowering the delicate taste.
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic paired with a cup of hot tea or sparkling lemonade for an afternoon snack. For a light lunch, I like serving these sandwiches alongside a crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad to keep things refreshing and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes use cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches into fun hearts or stars—it’s a cute surprise that always gets compliments. Another way is stacking them on tiered platters with small herb sprigs between layers to look extra elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the fridge, separated with parchment paper to keep the sandwiches crisp and prevent sticking. I’ve found they stay fresh and tasty up to 24 hours, but beyond that the cucumbers can start releasing too much moisture.
Freezing
I generally don’t recommend freezing cucumber sandwiches because cucumbers get watery and limp once thawed. You’ll lose that crisp texture that makes this recipe so delightful, so fresh is definitely best here.
Reheating
Since these sandwiches are best served chilled or at room temperature, I don’t reheat them. If you’re serving leftovers that are too cold, just bring them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before eating to let the flavors come through.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making for a more delicate sandwich experience. If you use regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them and remove seeds to avoid excess moisture and bitterness.
-
How far in advance can I make cucumber sandwiches?
You can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and refrigerate so the bread stays fresh and the cucumber doesn’t release too much moisture. Beyond that time frame, they might start to get soggy.
-
Can I add other veggies or proteins to make these sandwiches more filling?
Absolutely! Thin slices of smoked salmon, radishes, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped bacon can add flavor and substance. Just be mindful that adding too many wet ingredients could affect the bread’s texture.
-
What’s the best bread for cucumber sandwiches?
Traditional white sandwich bread with crusts removed is classic, but any soft bread like whole wheat, sourdough, or brioche works. Just choose one that won’t overpower the delicate cucumber and herb cream cheese flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those surprisingly simple recipes that feels fancy and fresh all at once. I love how it’s so quick to make but always impresses guests with its delicate flavors and pretty presentation. I really encourage you to try this recipe next time you want a light, delightful snack or party appetizer—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintCucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 tea sandwiches
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic cucumber sandwiches featuring a creamy herb-infused cream cheese spread layered with thinly sliced fresh cucumbers on soft white bread, perfect for tea parties or light snacks.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sandwich
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 loaf white bread or bread of choice, crusts removed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a hand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the herbs are well integrated.
- Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the cream cheese herb mixture onto one side of each slice of bread, making sure to cover the surface evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Layer the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the English cucumber and layer the slices evenly over half of the bread slices that have been spread with the cream cheese mixture. Add extra herbs on top if you desire additional flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Top the cucumber-layered bread slices with the remaining slices of bread, cream cheese side down. Remove the crusts if desired, then carefully cut each sandwich into three pieces for convenient serving.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cucumber sandwiches immediately for the freshest taste, or cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Notes
- Leftover cucumber sandwiches should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours to maintain freshness.
- For a different bread option, consider using whole wheat or multigrain bread to add more nutrition and a varied texture.
- Adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or additional herbs before serving can enhance the flavor further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea sandwich
- Calories: 39
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 37mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg