I’ve been thinking about tea parties the last couple days and am really starting to crave a nice crisp cucumber sandwich. Hm. Might be a necessary item on my to-do list. My brother’s wedding invitations can probably wait…a cucumber sandwich recipe cannot.
So for your viewing (and if you’re adventurous, eating!) pleasure, here is my special ingredient for tea parties…the cucumber sandwich. Crisp, soft, salty, savory, vinegary and creamy all at once…and so yummy, you can’t stop at one! These are probably more a mom thing than a kid thing, but I always always end up having to make a few more plates for my guests when they are on the menu!
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Marinade:
- 1 cucumber (large), peeled and thinly sliced*
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 2 T. chopped minced garlic
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
Spread:
- 1/4 c. room temperature butter
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 T. snipped chives
- 8 slices white bread
For marinade:
For spread:
To assemble:
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Some of you have also made a few great suggestions. If you’re having trouble cutting your sandwiches, stick them in the refrigerator for a bit so that the cream cheese hardens back up. It will make slicing easier. Also, if you have access to a electric bread knife, cutting will be a breeze. I use a serrated bread knife myself as I don’t have a mechanical slicer.
I made these for my son’s baptism, and everyone loved them. They were such a pain for me to make…everything was fine until the cutting. When I cut the bread, the insides went everywhere. Maybe next time I’ll cut them in half first, then cut the crusts off.
Quick tip: things will become a bit firmer if they are cold! Maybe next time try refrigerating the sandwiches for a bit if they are not cooperating with you. Hope that helps!
Yep, that’s the way I would go with the cutting!
These look wonderful. I will be trying them soon. May I throw my two cents in about the crust? Whenever i make tea sandwiches I always cut the crusts off before I fill the sandwiches. Plus, I think using an electric knife helps a lot when cutting not only the crusts but the sandwiches themselves. When the fillings can become very soft and squishy, cut off the crusts, spread the filling, and if necessary, pop the wrapped sandwiches back in the fridge to firm up before cutting.
I can’t wait to try these…I have always loved cucumber sandwiches but for some reason have never made them. I think that is about to change!!
Fabulous advice, Mama Kat! Thank you.
Use an electric knife to cut the edges off. All caterers do! Nothing
Ever falls out if the sandwiches. I use this method often with great results.
So fast and easy!!!
Or freeze the bread long enough to make it firm, then cut off the crusts, spread the filling and cut into triangles/fourths before the bread gets too soft again. I’m pinning the yummy-sounding recipe for my next ladies’ tea. Thanks for sharing it.
Sue
Is the butter,cream cheese and chives and garlic salt all mixed togethe to make the spread
Is that just regular Italian seasoning, that I get on the spice section?
That’s correct, Ashley! The can of mixed green stuff. 🙂
Thank you so much for replying! I am making them right now! 🙂 However, I have one more question. What did you use to thinly slice the cucumbers with?
Just a knife. I really hate getting too many things dirty when I cook, but if you don’t mind washing dishes, you can also use your food processor’s slicer (not the attachment that turns everything to mush) or a mandolin.
I love cucumber sandwiches. I’m a caterer in Florida. One tip: I take the cucumbers out of the marinade and “dry” them on paper towels before placing them on the bread with the cream cheese. This way they don’t slide when you cut them. But they still retain their flavor.
What a great tip, Caroline! Thanks for sharing!
I make my cucumber sandwichs out of my cucumber and onions recipe. Just let then sit for at least a day to marry, then I placed on paper towels to soak up the liquid. Yummy!
Thank you this recipe is amazing and my go to recipe now! Lots of compliments.
Love hearing that!! Thanks for the feedback!