With the arrival of warmer weather and a bright sun, I am eagerly anticipating the abundance of fresh produce in spring and summer. These delightful cucumber sandwiches, filled with a flavorful dilly cream cheese spread, make for a perfect light lunch during the sunny days or a delightful addition to tea or brunch. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or any occasion, these refreshing sandwiches are versatile. In fact, their irresistibly fresh taste may lead you to make them throughout the entire summer season!
Don’t forget to save this one if you have an abundance of cucumbers and need ideas to utilize them! Our Creamy Cucumber Salad is also amazing!
What are Cucumber Sandwiches
There exist numerous variations of cucumber sandwiches, with the simplest consisting of sliced cucumber placed between two buttered bread slices. However, we have elevated our cucumber sandwiches by adding a zesty and flavorful cream cheese spread infused with dill. The herbaceous taste of the cream cheese complements the refreshing essence of the cucumber, resulting in an impeccably delicious sandwich. Traditionally, these sandwiches are crafted using soft white bread to accentuate their delicate flavors. Nevertheless, it would be enjoyable to explore the realm of possibilities by experimenting with different bread types for these delightful sandwiches!
How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches
These delicate sandwiches are commonly sliced into small, bite-sized portions and enjoyed alongside tea, earning them the nickname “cucumber tea sandwiches.” However, they also serve as an ideal appetizer for various spring and summertime gatherings, such as Easter, graduation parties, bridal or baby showers, or even a Mother’s Day brunch. To enhance your dining experience, you can complement the cucumber sandwiches with other refreshing summer dishes like Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad, Lemon Cream Pie, Panzanella, Macaroni Salad, or even a comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup.
What Kind of Cucumbers are Best?
When it comes to cucumber sandwiches, English cucumbers are undoubtedly the top pick. Their smaller, softer seeds and thinner, more delicate skin make them the perfect choice. You have the option to leave the skin on, peel it entirely, or partially peel it to add some color variation to your sandwiches. However, if you opt for regular cucumbers, peeling them is a must to avoid the tough skin overpowering the sandwich’s delicate nature.
How to Keep Cucumber Sandwiches From Getting Soggy
To prevent your sandwich from getting soggy, it’s important to note that cucumbers have a high water content. Follow these tips to maintain the bread’s light and fluffy texture while keeping the cucumbers crisp!
- Ensure that you evenly apply the cream cheese across the entire surface of the bread, ensuring it reaches the edges. The cream cheese serves as a protective layer, preventing moisture from the cucumbers from seeping into the bread.
- Avoid assembling the sandwiches too early. Serve them within 1-2 hours after assembling.
- In preparation for making the sandwiches ahead of time, freeze the bread, make the cream cheese spread, and slice the cucumbers. Remember to store each component separately until right before serving.
- To ensure the sandwiches are prepared in advance, it is recommended to lightly sprinkle salt on the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for approximately 15 minutes to extract some moisture. Once the salted cucumbers have been patted dry, proceed with assembling the sandwiches. Although the cucumbers might not retain their full crispness, this method will enhance the sandwiches’ longevity.
What Else Can I Add?
If a recipe lacks flexibility, it doesn’t suit my taste! Fortunately, cucumber sandwiches offer plenty of room for customization. Here, I present a list of exciting ingredients that you can incorporate to personalize your cucumber sandwiches:
How to Make Cucumber sandwiches – Step by Step Photos
For easier slicing and achieving flawless edges in your sandwiches, begin by freezing the bread. Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. As this recipe requires 12 slices, you can arrange them in two layers of six. Allow the bread to freeze for a minimum of one hour.
To prepare the sandwiches, begin by making the cream cheese spread. In a bowl, combine one 8oz. block of cream cheese at room temperature with ½ tsp dried dill, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper, one sliced green onion, and 2 Tbsp lemon juice.
Combine the ingredients and mix vigorously until thoroughly combined, resulting in a smooth and easily spreadable cream cheese mixture.
You have the choice to peel the cucumber, but it is suggested if you are not using an English cucumber. Proceed to thinly slice a single cucumber.
Remove two slices of bread from the freezer simultaneously. Apply approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the dilly cream cheese spread evenly over each slice, covering the entire surface from one edge to the other.
Arrange the cucumbers on one slice of bread, then cover them with the second slice, ensuring that the cream cheese is facing the cucumbers.
At this stage, it’s ideal for the bread to remain largely frozen as it facilitates easier slicing. Begin by delicately removing the crusts, and subsequently divide the sandwich into either two or four portions (opting for four is preferable if you intend to serve it as a finger food or appetizer).
To enhance the presentation, add any remaining cucumber slices on the top as a garnish, and sprinkle a pinch of dried dill. Serve and savor!
