Elevate your afternoon tea spread with these elegant Italian Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, a delightful twist on a classic treat. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers layered over a creamy spread made with rich cream cheese, decadent mascarpone, and fragrant fresh basil and parsley, these sandwiches are bursting with vibrant, herbaceous flavors. The use of ciabatta bread adds a rustic Italian flair, while a touch of olive oil drizzled on top brings a sophisticated finish. Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or light snacks, these no-cook sandwiches come together in just 20 minutes and exude both simplicity and refinement. Serve these crisp and creamy bites as a refreshing appetizer or pair them with your favorite tea for a truly memorable occasion.
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin, even rounds. Place the slices on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, finely chopped fresh basil and parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Cut the ciabatta loaf into thin slices, or use pre-sliced white sandwich bread for a softer texture. Trim off the crusts for a traditional tea sandwich look.
Spread a generous layer of the herbed cheese mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
Layer the cucumber slices over the cheese spread on half of the bread slices. Place a second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
Gently press down on the sandwiches, then use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich into quarters or rectangle shapes for an elegant presentation.
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tops of the sandwiches before serving, for an added Italian flair.
Serve immediately, or cover the sandwiches with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving.
Calories |
2345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.9 g | 158% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.1 g | 306% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 272 mg | 91% | |
| Sodium | 3862 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.5 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 62.2 g | 124% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 516 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1407 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.