Cucumber sandwiches are a classic tea-time delight that brings together the refreshing crunch of cucumber with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. This recipe elevates the traditional cucumber sandwich with a flavorful blend of herbs, lemon juice, and garlic powder, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for a light lunch or afternoon tea.
- The combination of cream cheese, herbs, and cucumber offers a refreshing and satisfying flavor.
- The removal of crusts and the use of high-quality soft white bread create a delicate and elegant sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 16 slices high-quality soft white sandwich bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Peel the English cucumber and slice it thinly. Pat the cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced dill, minced chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Lay out the bread slices and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice.
- Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber evenly over half of the bread slices.
- Place the remaining slices of bread with the cream cheese mixture on top of the cucumber-covered slices, creating sandwiches.
- Press down gently on each sandwich to ensure the layers stick together.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into desired shapes (squares, triangles, or fingers).
- Arrange the cucumber sandwiches on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes:
- For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a few extra cucumber slices or a sprig of dill on top of each sandwich before serving.
- Experiment with different bread varieties such as whole wheat or multigrain for a variation in taste and texture.
FAQs: Q: Can I make these cucumber sandwiches ahead of time? A: While it’s best to assemble these sandwiches just before serving to maintain freshness, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the cucumber in advance. Assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I customize the herb mixture? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking or add other favorites like parsley or tarragon for a personalized touch.