Imagine transporting yourself to a quintessential British afternoon tea, where delicate flavors and refined elegance dance on your palate. These English Tea Cucumber Sandwiches are not just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that promises to elevate your tea time from ordinary to extraordinary. With their creamy dill-infused cream cheese, crisp cucumber slices, and perfectly trimmed bread, these sandwiches are a testament to the art of simple yet luxurious cuisine that will make you feel like royalty with every delightful bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cucumber, 8 slices of bread (white or whole grain), 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness for even layering.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and fresh dill. Use a fork to blend them together until smooth and well incorporated. If desired, add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Take the slices of bread and lay them out on a clean surface or cutting board. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and dill mixture on one side of each slice of bread, ensuring an even coverage.
- Once all the slices are spread with the cream cheese mixture, begin layering the cucumber slices on top of half of the bread slices. Place enough cucumber slices to cover the surface but avoid overcrowding.
- Top the cucumber-laden slices with the remaining slices of bread, cream cheese side down, to create sandwiches.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each sandwich into quarters or halves, depending on your preference. This will create small, manageable pieces perfect for serving.
- Arrange the cucumber sandwiches on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with additional dill or a sprinkle of salt for presentation.
- Serve immediately with a pot of English tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use fresh, soft white or whole grain bread with minimal crust for the most authentic experience.
- Cucumber Preparation: For the most delicate texture, use an English cucumber and slice it extremely thin. A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform, paper-thin slices.
- Moisture Control: After slicing the cucumber, pat the slices dry with a paper towel to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Cream Cheese Hack: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing with fresh dill.
- Serving Suggestion: Chill the sandwiches for 15-30 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape and enhance the flavors.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sandwiches just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and fresh appearance.
- Presentation Matters: Cut off the crusts and slice diagonally for that classic, elegant tea party look.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
