Cucumber Sandwiches

Crisp, creamy and oh, so refreshing, these cucumber sandwiches are the kind of simple recipe that always feels a little special. With just a few fresh ingredients—soft white bread, tangy cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumbers and fresh dill—you can assemble this timeless tea sandwich recipe in minutes.

Set out a platter of these dainty sandwiches alongside a pitcher of iced tea for a company-worthy snack spread, or tuck them into a school lunch as an easy way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters. Slice them into finger-sized pieces and they become elegant finger-food bites perfect for serving at bridal showers, tea parties, picnics or even a festive Galentine’s gathering. There’s not much these cucumber cream cheese sandwiches can’t do!

Ingredients for Cucumber Sandwiches

• Cream cheese: Both regular and whipped cream cheese work well for these sandwiches. Regular cream cheese gives a thicker, richer bite, while whipped spreads easily without being softened first. For a fun twist, try a flavored variety like vegetable, herb or everything bagel.
• White bread: A soft, neutral-flavored white bread is the traditional choice for tea sandwiches, but you can layer cream cheese and cucumbers onto your favorite loaf. For neat and tidy edges, trim the crusts before assembling.
• Cucumber: English cucumbers are ideal for tea sandwiches—they have small seeds, thin skins and contain less water than traditional cukes. Keep the peels on for extra crunch and color, or peel the cucumbers for a softer bite.
• Fresh dill: Bright and herbaceous, fresh dill pairs beautifully with refreshing cucumbers. Pinch the fronds off the stems and gently chop them to release their flavor and aroma. If you don’t have fresh, stir a small amount of dried dill into the cream cheese before spreading it on the bread.

Directions

Step 1: Spread the cream cheese on the bread

Spread the cream cheese over four slices of bread. Make sure to spread it evenly from edge to edge so each bite is perfectly creamy.

Editor’s Tip: Soften cream cheese before spreading for easier assembly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes or microwave in five-second intervals until spreadable.

Step 2: Add the cucumbers and dill

Arrange the thinly sliced cucumbers over the cream cheese, overlapping them slightly to cover the surface. Sprinkle the fresh dill on top.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re making a large batch of sandwiches for a gathering, use a mandoline slicer to prep the cucumbers faster.

Step 3: Finish the sandwiches, then slice

Place the remaining four slices of bread on top to form sandwiches. Depending on how you want to serve them, slice the cucumber sandwiches into halves, quarters or thin rectangles.

Editor’s Tip: Use a sharp chef’s knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the sandwiches neatly without squishing them.

Cucumber Sandwich Variations

• Layer in a protein: Add thin slices of smoked salmon (aka lox), deli turkey or roast beef with the cream cheese and cucumbers to make these delicate sandwiches more satisfying.
• Include more veggies: Layer ripe avocado for creaminess, radishes for more crunch or juicy tomato slices for a burst of sweet acidity.
• Swap the bread: Try whole wheat, marbled rye, pumpernickel or sourdough instead of white bread for a different texture and flavor. If you’re cutting the sandwiches into finger-food-sized pieces, be sure to choose a softer loaf that slices cleanly without tearing.
• Try a flavored cream cheese: Replace plain cream cheese with a garlic and herb, jalapeno, chive or veggie spread for an easy flavor boost.
• Mix up the herbs: Dill is classic, but you can add other fresh herbs like basil, parsley or mint in place of or alongside dill for an herbaceous twist.
• Add crunch: Stir finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans into the cream cheese before spreading for added texture and nutty flavor.

How to Store Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are best enjoyed the day they’re made, when the bread is soft and the cucumbers are crisp. If you need to store them, wrap them tightly in storage wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, the cucumbers will release moisture, making the bread soggy and the sandwiches less appealing.

Can you make a cucumber cream cheese sandwich ahead of time?

Yes! Cucumber sandwich recipes can be made a few hours in advance, which is handy if you’re prepping for a party. For the freshest textures, assemble them no more than two hours before serving. Cover a platter of sandwiches tightly with storage wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Cucumber Sandwich Tips

What kind of cucumber is best for cucumber sandwich recipes?

English or hothouse cucumbers are best for these sandwiches. They have smaller and more tender seeds, thinner skins and less water than traditional cucumbers—lending the perfect crisp texture to contrast the soft bread and creamy cheese. Regular cucumbers work, but I recommend peeling them and patting the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Absolutely! Flavored cream cheeses are an easy way to add flavor to cucumber sandwiches without extra ingredients or steps. Garlic and herb, garden veggie and everything bagel varieties all pair beautifully with cucumbers and dill.

How do I make mini cucumber sandwiches?

To make mini cucumber sandwiches, use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich into rectangles or triangles. For dainty, finger-sized rectangles, slice each sandwich in half, then cut each half into two or three equal-width pieces, depending on how big you want them to be.

For neat triangles, slice each sandwich diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to form two large triangles. Cut each large triangle in half again for smaller triangle sandwiches.