Delightfully simple yet impeccably elegant, "The Best Cucumber Sandwiches" are the epitome of classic afternoon tea fare. This easy recipe pairs the cool, crisp crunch of thinly sliced English cucumbers with a luxuriously creamy herbed spread, made from fresh dill, parsley, and a hint of garlic powder for subtle flavor depth. A thin layer of butter acts as a barrier to keep the soft white bread from becoming soggy, ensuring that every bite is as fresh as the last. Perfectly trimmed and cut into delicate fingers or triangles, these sandwiches are ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, or light luncheons. Ready in just 20 minutes, they embody sophistication and simplicity, making them a timeless crowd-pleaser for any elegant gathering.
Wash and dry the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler, partially peel alternating strips down the length of the cucumber to create a striped pattern. Slice the cucumber very thinly into rounds. Lay the slices on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped dill, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
Using a butter knife, lightly spread a thin layer of unsalted butter onto one side of each slice of bread. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy when in contact with the cucumber slices.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of the herbed cream cheese mixture evenly onto the buttered side of 6 slices of bread.
Place an even layer of cucumber slices onto the cream cheese layer, slightly overlapping them to cover the surface.
Top each prepared slice with one of the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing down. Press gently to adhere.
Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the crusts off each sandwich to create neat edges. Slice each sandwich diagonally or into rectangular fingers, as desired.
Serve immediately or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep the sandwiches fresh until ready to serve.
Calories |
2486 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 119.9 g | 154% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.7 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 290 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 4667 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 288.5 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.6 g | ||
| Protein | 64.5 g | 129% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1014 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1202 mg | 26% | |
*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.