The Best Cucumber Sandwich Recipe for Summer Picnics

Cool summer afternoons call for a delightful cucumber sandwich that refreshes and satisfies hungry palates.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy spreads on soft bread, creating a light meal perfect for picnics or afternoon tea.

Delicate slices of cucumber add a pleasant crunch and subtle brightness to each bite.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor in this classic British-inspired treat.

Simple techniques transform ordinary bread into an elegant culinary experience that anyone can master.

Tempting textures and fresh flavors await you in this quick and easy recipe that promises to delight your taste buds.

FAQs About Cucumber Sandwich

• What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need cream cheese, mayonnaise, bread, cucumber, salt, pepper, and fresh dill.

• Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, white bread works best, but you can try whole wheat or sourdough for variety.

• How do I get the most flavor from the cucumber?

Slice the cucumber thin and evenly, and make sure to season with salt and pepper for extra taste.

• Is this a good sandwich for summer?

Absolutely! The cool cucumber and creamy spread make it a perfect light and refreshing sandwich for warm days.

Why Cucumber Sandwich Is a Refreshing Snack

• Slice and Serve Sensation: Perfect for lazy afternoons or elegant tea parties, these cucumber sandwiches require minimal prep and deliver maximum flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
• No-Fuss Freshness: Incredibly light and refreshing, this recipe transforms basic bread and cucumbers into a delightful treat that feels sophisticated yet incredibly easy to make.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Suitable for all ages, these sandwiches work magic as appetizers, lunch bites, or party snacks that will impress guests without complex cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Quickly adapt the recipe by switching bread types, adding herbs, or experimenting with different spreads to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cucumber Sandwich

• White Bread: Soft, classic sandwich foundation.
• Whole Wheat Bread: Hearty alternative with nutty flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy spread that provides rich texture.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that enhances the mixture's consistency.

• Cucumber: Crisp, refreshing vegetable that adds coolness and crunch.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the cucumber's natural flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb that adds a bright, aromatic garnish.

Instructions for Cucumber Sandwich

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Spread

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and mayonnaise until you achieve a silky, uniform texture. The mixture should be light and spreadable, creating a delectable base for your sandwich.

Step 2: Toast The Bread Slices

Lightly toast bread slices to add a crispy dimension and prevent sogginess. This step enhances the sandwich’s overall texture and provides a sturdy foundation for the filling.

Step 3: Layer The Creamy Base

Generously spread the cream cheese and mayonnaise mixture across each bread slice. Ensure an even coating that covers the entire surface, creating a smooth and rich layer.

Step 4: Arrange Cucumber Layers

• Salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

This seasoning will enhance the cucumber’s natural flavor and add a subtle kick.

Step 5: Complete The Sandwich

Top the cucumber-covered slices with the remaining bread slices. Press gently to ensure a secure seal and even distribution of ingredients.

Step 6: Shape And Garnish

Cut the sandwiches diagonally into triangular shapes for an elegant presentation. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

Pro Tips for Cucumber Sandwich

• Chill Cream Cheese Mixture: Refrigerate the cream cheese and mayonnaise blend for 15 minutes to enhance spreadability and flavor melding.
• Select Fresh Cucumbers: Use English or Persian cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds, ensuring a crisp and light texture.
• Pat Dry Cucumber Slices: Gently blot cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy sandwiches.
• Experiment with Bread: Try different bread types like sourdough, whole wheat, or rye for unique flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Sprinkle dried dill or add a dash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra tangy kick.

Variation Ideas for Cucumber Sandwich

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Replace bread with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free option that keeps the creamy filling and fresh cucumber crunch.
• Greek-Style Variation: Swap cream cheese for tzatziki, add feta crumbles, and sprinkle with dried oregano to give the sandwich a Mediterranean profile.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate smoked salmon or sliced turkey between layers to boost protein content and add extra flavor complexity.
• Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based mayo, and replace butter with hummus for a completely plant-based sandwich that maintains creamy texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Cucumber Sandwich

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the light, fresh cucumber sandwich perfectly, cutting through the creamy cheese with their bright acidity.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water: Chilled mineral water with a slice of lemon adds a refreshing touch that matches the cool cucumber and creamy spread.
• Serve with Light Summer Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a perfect accompaniment, balancing the rich sandwich with crisp, tangy notes.
• Create Afternoon Tea Experience: Brew a delicate Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea to elevate the classic cucumber sandwich into a traditional British-style light meal.

Storage Advice for Cucumber Sandwich

• Store cucumber sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in an airtight container for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness.
• Place sandwiches in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours, but expect slightly soggy bread due to cucumber moisture.
• Before serving chilled sandwiches, gently pat cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess water and prevent bread from becoming too wet.
• Do not freeze these sandwiches as cream cheese and cucumbers will lose texture and become watery when thawed.

Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing cucumber sandwiches elevate British afternoon tea with delicate flavors and elegant simplicity. Crisp cucumber slices nestled between creamy spread and light bread create a perfect summer treat for quick, delightful dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread:

• 8 slices white or whole wheat bread

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

Seasoning and Condiments:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Fresh dill for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whip cream cheese and mayonnaise together in a mixing bowl until fully integrated and creamy.
2. Generously apply the blended spread across each slice of bread, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Arrange thinly sliced cucumber pieces uniformly over four bread slices, creating a delicate vegetable layer.
4. Delicately sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over cucumber surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
5. Carefully place remaining bread slices atop the cucumber-covered pieces, creating refined sandwich structures.
6. Using a sharp knife, slice each sandwich diagonally into elegant triangular shapes.
7. Garnish the sandwich triangles with finely chopped fresh dill, adding a vibrant herbal accent and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use English cucumber for a crispier, less watery texture that won’t make your sandwich soggy.
• Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before layering on bread.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories.
• Toast bread lightly beforehand to prevent sandwich from becoming mushy and add a delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg