Cucumber Sandwiches
This recipe creates classic English cucumber sandwiches, featuring a creamy, savory spread of softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Thinly sliced cucumber and crustless white bread complete these delicate, refreshing bites, perfect for tea parties or light appetizers, offering a simple yet elegant snack.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk or Spatula For mixing the cream cheese spread
- 1 Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife For uniform, thin cucumber slices
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Offset Spatula or Butter Knife For even spreading
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cucumber peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1 pound loaf sliced bread, crusts removed
- 1 pinch lemon pepper
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. For best results, place slices on paper towels, lightly salt, and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat thoroughly dry.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion salt, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of lemon pepper and adjust to taste.
- Carefully remove the crusts from all slices of bread.
- Spread an even layer of the prepared cream cheese mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
- Arrange a single layer of the dried cucumber slices neatly over the cream cheese spread on half of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down, gently pressing them together to form sandwiches.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each assembled sandwich into desired shapes, such as triangles (cutting diagonally twice) or finger sandwiches (cutting into three rectangles).
- Arrange the finished sandwiches on a platter, cover with damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent drying, and chill for at least 15-30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, ideally soon after preparation to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Notes
For crisp cucumber and to prevent soggy sandwiches, thinly slice the cucumber and lightly salt the slices. Let them sit on paper towels for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them completely dry before assembling. Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free spread. Consider adding fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for an elevated herby note. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavor. Use fresh, high-quality white bread, ideally a pullman loaf, for neat crust removal and uniform slices. For best presentation and texture, chill the assembled sandwiches for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cover them with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.