Imagine biting into a refreshing sandwich that transports you to a sunny garden party with just one bite! These Lemon Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches are not just a meal, they're a culinary experience that combines zesty citrus, crisp cucumber, and creamy cheese in a perfect harmony that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let soften at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Wash cucumber thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry with clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp mandoline or knife, slice cucumber into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Carefully zest the entire lemon using a microplane or fine grater, capturing only the yellow outer layer and avoiding the bitter white pith.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the cream cheese mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Lay out bread slices on a clean cutting board and spread a generous layer of lemon-infused cream cheese on each slice.
- Arrange cucumber slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer on four of the bread slices.
- Carefully place remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, on top of cucumber layer to complete sandwiches.
- Using a sharp knife, cut sandwiches diagonally to create triangular halves for elegant presentation.
- Optional: Lightly press sandwiches to help cream cheese adhere and compact ingredients.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 15 minutes for a refreshing appetizer or light lunch.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth, easy spreading.
- Slice Cucumber Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, even cucumber rounds for a professional look.
- Zest Carefully: When zesting the lemon, only remove the bright yellow outer layer to avoid bitter white pith.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they enhance the cream cheese's flavor.
- Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: These sandwiches are versatile and delicious either way.
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
- Presentation Counts: Cut diagonally for an elegant, restaurant-style look that's sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
