Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a delightful, fresh twist on the classic tea-time favorite. Perfect for garden parties or a light lunch, these sandwiches offer a refreshing blend of creamy, herby goodness layered with crisp cucumber slices.
Start by preparing your herbed spread. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
Next, take your slices of whole wheat bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy and adds a subtle richness.
Now, spread the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly over the buttered side of four bread slices. Make sure you cover the entire surface to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Layer the cucumber slices over the cream cheese mixture. Try to distribute them evenly so every sandwich has a good amount of cucumber crunch.
Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side down, to form the sandwiches. Press down gently to help them adhere.
Carefully cut the crusts off each sandwich for a classic tea sandwich look. Then, slice each sandwich into quarters, forming neat triangles.
Serve these delightful sandwiches immediately for the best texture, or store them in an airtight container if serving later.
Pair these tea sandwiches with a light, sparkling beverage like lemonade or a refreshing herbal iced tea. They also work well as part of a larger spread with fresh fruit or a light salad on the side.
English cucumber brings a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that complements the cream cheese spread. Whole wheat bread offers a hearty base, adding a slight nuttiness to each bite. The cream cheese is the star of the spread, providing a creamy texture that blends beautifully with fresh herbs. Dill and chives bring in bright, aromatic notes that elevate the flavor profile, while a splash of lemon juice adds a pleasant zing. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors, and unsalted butter ensures the bread is moist and flavorful.