Cucumber Sandwich Bites Recipe

Learn how to make these classic homemade cucumber sandwich bites with the perfect balance of creamy cheese spread, crisp cucumber, and soft bread. This easy baking recipe creates the best finger sandwiches for afternoon tea or elegant entertaining with simple ingredients and foolproof assembly techniques.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

24 sandwich bites

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ teaspoon white pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large cucumber, thinly sliced</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">5cm (2-inch) round cookie cutter</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mandoline slicer (optional)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Offset spatula or butter knife</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing your herb cream cheese spread. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese (ensuring it's at room temperature for easy spreading) with finely chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and white pepper. Blend thoroughly until all herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. The lemon zest adds brightness that balances the richness of the cream cheese.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Prepare your cucumber by washing it thoroughly. For the crispest result, you can optionally peel alternating strips of skin for a decorative effect. Using a sharp knife or mandoline set to approximately 2mm thickness, slice the cucumber into very thin rounds. Place the cucumber slices between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture – this prevents your sandwiches from becoming soggy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Remove the crusts from each slice of bread using a sharp knife, creating perfect squares. Then, using your round cookie cutter, cut out 3 circles from each bread slice. Apply gentle, even pressure when cutting to achieve clean edges. If your bread is very soft, placing it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes can make it easier to cut cleanly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Using your offset spatula or butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of the herb cream cheese mixture on each bread round. The spread should be about 3-4mm thick – enough to taste but not so much that it squishes out when assembled. Make sure to spread right to the edges for the most attractive presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place a cucumber slice on top of each cream cheese-covered bread round. If your cucumber slices are larger than your bread rounds, trim them to fit perfectly. For the most elegant presentation, slightly overlap two thinner cucumber slices rather than using one thick slice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Finish each sandwich bite with a tiny sprig of fresh dill or a small pinch of finely chopped chives for garnish. This not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also signals the herb flavors within the cream cheese spread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Arrange your finished cucumber sandwich bites on a serving platter. For the best texture and flavor, serve immediately, or cover with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. The slightly damp paper towel creates humidity that prevents the bread from drying out while chilling.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cucumber Sandwich Bites?

Cucumber Sandwich Bites require white sandwich bread, softened cream cheese, fresh herbs (dill and chives), lemon zest, salt, white pepper, and thinly sliced cucumber. These simple ingredients create the perfect balance of creamy, crisp and fresh flavours.

How to cook Cucumber Sandwich Bites at home?

Learn how to cook Cucumber Sandwich Bites by first preparing a herbed cream cheese spread with dill, chives and lemon zest. Cut bread rounds with a cookie cutter, spread with the cream cheese mixture, top with thin cucumber slices, and garnish with fresh herbs. No actual cooking is required, making this a perfect no-fuss elegant appetiser!

How do I prevent cucumber sandwiches from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy sandwiches, pat cucumber slices dry between paper towels before assembly. Apply cream cheese right to the edges of the bread to create a moisture barrier. If preparing ahead, cover with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap, then refrigerate for no more than 2 hours.

What are the best bread types for finger sandwiches?

For traditional finger sandwiches, white sandwich bread is the classic choice due to its soft texture and neutral flavour. However, you can also use wholemeal bread for added nutrition or brioche for richness. Whatever bread you choose, ensure it's fresh and soft for the perfect bite.

How can I elevate these tea sandwiches for a special occasion?

Elevate your tea sandwiches by using sourdough or pumpernickel bread, adding smoked salmon, substituting butter for cream cheese, or incorporating watermelon radish for colour. For elegant presentation, create multi-layered sandwiches with different fillings or cut into decorative shapes.

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