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Sink your teeth into a light, refreshing cucumber sandwich made with fresh ingredients in about 10 minutes! The cream cheese with fresh herbs, mayonnaise, bright lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh cucumber slices between two fluffy slices of bread is all that’s needed to make this cucumber sandwich recipe irresistible!
As much as we all love the typical saucy and cheesy appetizers at events, it’s also essential to have at least one lighter option. These cucumber tea sandwiches are cool and refreshing, a much-needed break from heavier finger food. Of course, it also leaves more room for the main meal!
I also love serving these tiny, Sweet Dijon Pecan Baked Brie Bites or classy Strawberry Shrimp Ceviche in cocktail glasses.
Cucumber Sandwich Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese holds all the delicious ingredients, from fresh lemon juice to the subtle spice from the garlic powder.
- Mayonnaise: Add mayonnaise to create depth in flavor and make a silkier, spreadable mixture.
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in fresh or dried chives for a mild onion-like taste and garnish the sandwiches with fresh dill, chopped.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the overall flavor of the sandwich, adding to the refreshing, crunchy cucumbers.
- Salt and pepper: Round out the taste with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
- Garlic powder: Bring a subtle spice and savory flavor to the recipe with garlic powder.
- Bread: Use your favorite type of sandwich bread, such as white, wheat, sourdough, Italian, or another variety. This is where you can get really personal with your take on cucumber sandwiches! If preferred, use the classic choice of soft white bread.
- Cucumber: Thinly slice an English cucumber and peel it, if preferred.
How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Mix cream cheese spread
Start by slicing the cucumber, chopping the herbs, and juicing the lemon. Be sure to strain any accidental seeds out.
Then begin making the cream cheese mixture by placing softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, dill, fresh lemon juice, pepper, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
Mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed throughout.
Step 2 | Assemble sandwich
Next, spread the cheese mixture evenly onto each half of the slices making sure you spread from edge to edge.
Now, place the English cucumbers onto a slice of bread, layering as you go. Then, top the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
Step 3 | Slice, garnish, and serve
Finally, use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich in half or into triangles or squares, garnish with a sprinkle of dill, and serve! Yum!
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the herbs: No fresh dill or chives on hand? Try fresh parsley, basil, or even a little green onion. If you’re using dried herbs, reduce the amount—start with about one-third of what the recipe calls for and adjust to taste.
- Use flavored cream cheese: To save time, you can use a garden veggie or chive-flavored cream cheese and skip the added herbs. It’s a great shortcut for busy days and still adds plenty of flavor.
- Try different breads: White sandwich bread is classic, but soft wheat, pumpernickel, or even thinly sliced rye add a fun twist. Just make sure the bread is soft enough to bite through easily.
- Cucumber Wraps: If you enjoy wraps more than sandwiches, feel free to replace the bread slices with a spinach wrap or another favorite type of wrap.
- Add a protein boost: For something heartier, layer in thin slices of smoked salmon, turkey, or even a few pieces of crisp bacon. It turns the sandwich from a snack into a light lunch.
- Mix in a little extra flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of lemon zest to the spread for a pop of brightness. A teaspoon of horseradish or Dijon mustard can also give it a little bite, especially if you’re serving these for grown-ups.
- Make it low-carb: Want to skip the bread? Use the herbed cream cheese spread as a dip for cucumber rounds or roll it up inside cucumber ribbons for a fresh, low-carb snack.
- Healthy Cucumber Sandwiches: With just a few minor adjustments, make a healthier version of this yummy recipe. Choose low-fat cream cheese and replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Using whole wheat or whole grain bread is also an excellent option.
Tips
- Chill: You can serve the dish right away or chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving..
- Making the Cheese Mixture: It may help to use a hand mixer when combining the spread ingredients. However, it’s not necessary.
- Use English cucumbers for the best crunch: They’re crisp, mild, and have thinner skin than regular cucumbers, so you can skip the peeling if you want. Plus, they don’t release as much moisture, so your sandwiches stay fresh longer.
- Pat the cucumber slices dry: Even English cucumbers can carry a little moisture, and no one wants a soggy sandwich. Just lay the slices on a paper towel and give them a quick pat before assembling. This keeps the bread from getting soft too quickly.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Dill and chives bring so much brightness to the spread. If you only have dried herbs, that’s fine too. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Trim the crusts if you like: For a party-perfect presentation, cut off the crusts and slice into small triangles or squares. At home, I usually keep the crusts on and cut the sandwiches with a serrated knife so everything stays neat and holds together well, unless we are having a Southern afternoon tea party.
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Cucumber Sandwich Recipe FAQs
While they are best served fresh or chilled for just a couple of hours, you can make cucumber sandwiches the night before in preparation for a party or event the following day. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Store the sandwiches wrapped in parchment paper to absorb the excess moisture.
Cucumbers are super hydrating and have antioxidants that are key for collagen synthesis and promoting healthier skin.
Storage
The Spread can be made ahead: Mix the cream cheese spread up to 2–3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes. Give it a quick stir before using.
Best enjoyed fresh: These are definitely at their best the day they’re made or shortly after. The cucumbers will start to release moisture over time, which can soften the bread. I recommend slicing and serving close to the time you plan to eat them for the best bite.
Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover cucumber finger sandwiches or want to make them in advance, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
Freezing is not recommended: Because of the fresh cucumbers and cream cheese, these sandwiches don’t freeze well. The texture changes quite a bit, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a day.
What to Serve with Cucumber Sandwiches
Keep the starters light by serving these easy cucumber sandwiches with this sweet Berry Fruit Salad Recipe, a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette, or this Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe with classic Italian flavors and a fun, colorful presentation. These are also all delicious for tea time!
More Light and Delicious Cucumber Recipes
- Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Cucumber, Tomato, Feta, & Olive Salad
- Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato Salad
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Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (8 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 1 cup English cucmber, thinly sliced (peeled if desired)
Instructions
- In a bowl add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, dill, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture onto each half of the slices.
- Place the cucumbers onto one slice of the bread. (You can remove crust on bread if desired)
- Then place the other slice of bread on top of the cucumbers.
- Cut into triangles or squares.
- Serve immediately or place in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Garnish the sandwiches by sprinkling with dill before serving.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
It’s so refreshing and easy to make. The combination of the crisp, cool cucumbers with the creamy spread is simply divine. It’s the perfect summertime treat!
Thank you, Gianne!
These were the perfect sandwiches for an afternoon snack! Light, easy and delicious; definitely, a new favorite finger food!
Thank you, Sara! I am so glad you enjoyed them!
Beautiful pictures! Chives, dill and cucumber, sign me up!
Thank you so much! Right, such a refreshing combination.
I love how light and refreshing these sandwiches are, but substantial enough to be satisfying! I’ll definitely be making these for lunch all the time now. Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you, Nathan! They really are the perfect lunch!
I made these for a girls night in and they were a hit! They totally fit the vibe.
Thank you, Brandi! It really is perfect for girls gatherings! I am so glad you enjoyed them!