These Cucumber Finger Sandwiches are a timeless classic, perfect for afternoon tea or any gathering where you want to impress with simplicity. With a creamy, herby filling and crisp cucumber, they're refreshing and elegant.
Bread: White sandwich bread is traditional for its soft texture, but feel free to use whole grain for a heartier option. Just make sure it's fresh!
Cucumber: The star of the show, providing crispness and a fresh bite. English cucumbers are great because they're mostly seedless and have a thinner skin.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy base to the filling. Make sure it's softened so it blends easily.
Mayonnaise: Adds a touch of tanginess and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright, herby flavor that complements the cucumber perfectly.
Lemon Juice: Just a hint to lift the flavors and prevent the cream cheese from tasting too heavy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
These sandwiches pair beautifully with a light, floral tea like Earl Grey or jasmine. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a selection of cheeses. They're also a great addition to a brunch buffet or as part of a garden party menu.
Start by making the spread. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well mixed. You want a nice, creamy consistency that's easy to spread.
Next, prepare your cucumber. Slice it thinly into rounds. You can use a mandoline if you have one for super even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. Set these aside.
Now, grab your loaf of bread. Trim the crusts off each slice to create neat edges. This step is optional, but it gives the sandwiches a classic, elegant look.
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side of each bread slice. You don't need to go overboard, but make sure it's enough to evenly cover the surface.
Lay the cucumber slices evenly over the cream cheese on half of the bread slices. Try to cover as much as possible without overlapping too much, so every bite has a bit of cucumber.
Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, to form sandwiches. Gently press them together.
Finally, cut each sandwich into quarters. You can go for triangles or rectangles, depending on your preference. Triangles are traditional and look lovely on a serving platter.