Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

Serves: 4-6 people (makes about 16 finger sandwiches)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Classic Version

• 8 slices high-quality white bread (brioche, white sandwich bread, or pain de mie)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large English cucumbers (seedless)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
• White pepper to taste

Cream Cheese Version

• 8 slices white or whole wheat bread
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 large English cucumbers
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Herbed Butter Version

• 8 slices white bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (dill, chives, parsley), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 large English cucumbers
• Sea salt and white pepper

Instructions

Preparing the Cucumbers

1. Choose the right cucumbers: Use English (seedless) cucumbers for the best texture and fewer seeds. They should be firm and fresh.
2. Slice paper-thin: Using a sharp knife, mandoline, or vegetable peeler, slice cucumbers into paper-thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Consistent thickness is key for even layering.
3. Salt and drain: Lay cucumber slices on paper towels in a single layer. Sprinkle lightly with fine sea salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Pat dry: After 15 minutes, gently pat the cucumber slices completely dry with fresh paper towels. This prevents soggy sandwiches.

Preparing the Bread

1. Choose quality bread: Use day-old bread that’s slightly firm but not stale. Fresh bread can be too soft and tear easily.
2. Remove crusts: Using a sharp knife, carefully trim all crusts from the bread slices to create clean, even rectangles.
3. Keep bread covered: Cover trimmed bread with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out while you work.

Classic Method

1. Butter the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, going all the way to the edges. This creates a moisture barrier.
2. Season butter: Lightly sprinkle the buttered bread with white pepper and fresh dill if using.
3. Layer cucumbers: Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers on 4 of the buttered bread slices, covering the surface completely.
4. Season cucumbers: Lightly season the cucumber layer with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
5. Top and press: Place the remaining 4 bread slices butter-side down on top of the cucumbers. Press gently to adhere.

Cream Cheese Method

1. Make cream cheese spread: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
2. Spread on bread: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on one side of each bread slice.
3. Add cucumbers: Layer cucumber slices on 4 of the prepared bread slices.
4. Assemble: Top with remaining bread slices and press gently.

Finishing the Sandwiches

1. Wrap and chill: Wrap the assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold together when cut.
2. Cut into fingers: Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into 4 finger-sized rectangles or triangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts.
3. Arrange and serve: Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately, or cover with damp paper towels until ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Cucumber Sandwiches

• Use the right cucumbers: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skins
• Paper-thin slices: The thinner the better for delicate texture
• Salt and drain: This crucial step prevents soggy sandwiches
• Quality butter: Use good European-style butter for the best flavor
• Sharp knife: Essential for clean cuts without squishing
• Chill before cutting: This helps maintain shape and prevents filling from sliding out

Elegant Variations

Smoked Salmon Addition

• Add thin slices of smoked salmon between cucumber layers
• Include capers and fresh dill
• Use cream cheese spread as the base

Watercress and Cucumber

• Add fresh watercress leaves for peppery bite
• Use herbed butter as the spread
• Perfect British tea sandwich combination

Radish and Cucumber

• Alternate thin cucumber and radish slices
• Add a touch of coarse sea salt
• Use cultured butter for extra tang

Mint and Cucumber

• Add fresh mint leaves between cucumber layers
• Include a hint of lime zest in the butter
• Refreshing summer variation

Presentation Ideas

Traditional Tea Service

• Cut into neat finger sandwiches
• Arrange on tiered serving stands
• Garnish platter with fresh herbs

Garden Party Style

• Cut into triangles and arrange in circles
• Use different bread shapes (rounds, squares)
• Serve on vintage china or silver platters

Modern Presentation

• Cut into bite-sized squares
• Serve as canapés with cocktail picks
• Arrange on slate boards or modern serving pieces

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep cucumbers: Slice and salt cucumbers up to 4 hours ahead, store covered in refrigerator
• Make spreads: Prepare flavored butters or cream cheese mixtures 1 day ahead
• Assemble early: Make sandwiches up to 2 hours ahead, wrap tightly and refrigerate
• Cut last minute: For best appearance, cut sandwiches just before serving

Storage and Serving

• Keep cool: Store assembled sandwiches in refrigerator until serving
• Cover properly: Use damp paper towels to prevent drying out
• Serve quickly: Best served within 2-3 hours of assembly
• Temperature: Serve at cool room temperature, not ice cold

Nutritional Information

Cucumber sandwiches are naturally low in calories and provide hydration from the cucumbers. They offer some protein and carbohydrates from the bread and spreads, plus vitamins K and C from the cucumbers. They’re a light, refreshing option that won’t weigh you down.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free bread slices
• Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified

Dairy-Free

• Use dairy-free butter alternatives
• Replace cream cheese with dairy-free versions
• Add extra herbs for flavor

Low-Carb

• Use cucumber slices as “bread” (cucumber sandwiches without bread!)
• Roll filling in large cucumber ribbons
• Serve as an appetizer rather than sandwich

Vegan

• Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives
• Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor
• Include avocado for creaminess

Tea Party Menu Pairing

Cucumber sandwiches pair beautifully with:

• Scones with jam and clotted cream
• Other tea sandwiches (egg salad, watercress)
• Fresh fruit and berries
• Petit fours or macarons
• Earl Grey or chamomile tea

Troubleshooting

Sandwiches are soggy

• Make sure cucumbers were properly salted and drained
• Use butter as a moisture barrier
• Don’t assemble too far in advance

Filling slides out

• Chill sandwiches before cutting
• Don’t overfill with cucumbers
• Use a sharp knife and clean cuts

Bread tears when cutting

• Use slightly day-old bread for firmness
• Keep knife clean and sharp
• Apply gentle, even pressure when cutting

These elegant cucumber sandwiches prove that sometimes the simplest things are the most sophisticated!