Easy Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches

These Easy Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches are the perfect finger food sandwiches that are cool, refreshing, and light. They usually make an appearance at bridal showers, baby showers, parties, or brunches. They are super easy to make and taste fabulous! The perfect little finger food, appetizer or light lunch.

As soon as the weather starts to warm up, I’m thinking about cool snacks and lunches. Just like with my Southern Tomato Sandwich and Egg Salad Sandwich, this easy cucumber sandwich is cool and refreshing and just what I am looking for on warm days. An easy recipe that comes together in minutes and disappears just as fast. Plus, there’s no need to heat up your kitchen with this no bake cucumber recipe.

What is A Cucumber Sandwich

Cucumber sandwiches have been around for as long as I can remember. No matter where they make an appearance, they always disappear fast and the recipe is often requested. There are many versions of this recipe floating around but this is the one I use the most. Cucumber sandwiches have been enjoyed for generations in all kinds of settings from tea rooms, to fancy gatherings, to picnics on the beach. They have a charm that brings a sense of nostalgic to any setting.

A cucumber sandwich is simply thin cucumber slices, paired with an herbed cream cheese mixture and placed between two slices of bread. It’s a British delicacy that is served at showers, brunches, picnics, or as a light and refreshing snack. These sandwiches are known for their lightness, crispness, coolness, and delicate flavors. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs enhance the taste and the combination of ingredients works well together. 

Why You’ll Love This Tea Sandwich

You’ll fall in love with this cucumber sandwich for its elegance, refreshing flavor and charm it bring to the table.

• Simplicity: Comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.

• Refreshing: The cool crisp cucumbers and the herbed cream cheese creates the perfect texture and tastes.

• Versatility: These sandwiches are perfect for lunch, showers, or as a refreshing snack. This sandwich is adaptable for any occasion. 

Ingredients for the Best Cucumber Sandwiches

There are many variations for making cucumber sandwiches and all of these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store.  For complete amounts, see the printable recipe card below.

• Soft White Sandwich Bread – I prefer soft white bread for these sandwiches. 
• English Cucumber or seedless cucumber – These crunchy cucumbers are long and slender and have very few seeds. There is no need to peel the cucumber before slicing. 
• Cream Cheese – Use softened cream cheese. One block is needed for this recipe or you can use whipped cream cheese.
• Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise gives the cream cheese a creamier texture.
• Fresh Dill and Fresh Chives– These are found in the produce department of your local grocery store. They add freshness to the mixture. 
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the mixture a bit.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper – Seasonings used in the mixture. Feel free to change up the seasonings for your personal preference.

If you love simple sandwiches, be sure to check out my Southern Tomato Sandwich. It’s made with just a few ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

What Are English Cucumbers

English cucumbers are a type of cucumber that are long and straight. They have fewer seeds than regular cucumbers and they average about a foot in length. Although, they are not completely seedless, the seeds are less mature and easily digested. These are the best cucumbers for Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches.

Can I Use Regular Cucumbers for This Recipe

If you can’t find English Cucumbers or would like to use the cucumbers from the garden, they will also work but a few extra steps may be needed to prepare the cucumbers for this sandwich. Look for cucumbers that are firm, and blemish free. Regular cucumbers usually have a thicker skin and may require them to be peeled. Also, slice them thin, place in a single layer on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow them to sit for about 15 minutes to help draw out excess moisture. Blot them dry and continue with the recipe. TIP: Taste the cucumber before adding it to the sandwich. Some cucumbers have a slightly bitter taste and will alter the taste of the sandwich.

How to Make Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

These are simple little sandwiches to make and come together fast. For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the cream cheese spread. You can do this by hand or use a hand mixer.
2. Wash and dry the cucumber. Do not peel. Slice it very thinly.
3. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each piece of bread.
4. Place a layer of sliced cucumbers onto a piece of bread over the cream cheese layer.
5.  Place the second slice of prepared bread over the cucumber layer making a sandwich.
6. Carefully slice the crusts off the bread, then cut the bread into different shapes.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber tea sandwiches originated as small sandwiches to serve with tea. They were a way to keep hunger at bay until the next main meal. Today, people enjoy these sandwiches not only at tea time,  but also make an appearance at a baby shower, bridal shower, and even for a brunch. They are simple and elegant and add a touch of culinary refinement when served. Cucumber sandwiches have been served for generations and this classic has been loved by many.

What Kind of Bread is Best for Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

When choosing the best bread for these easy cucumber sandwiches, you’ll want a bread that compliments the flavors and texture of this sandwich. Cucumber cream cheese tea sandwiches are delicate and work best on soft white bread.

White soft bread is my personal preference. Use other bread such as rye bread or whole grain bread for the sandwiches.

How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are best served right after assembling them or within 2-3 hours.

These are the perfect little dainty sandwiches and can be served in so many ways and at different events. Cut them into bite sized finger foods for parties or gatherings. Fresh cucumbers on crustless bread make this a popular choice for:

Expert Tips

• This is a great base recipe and the amounts and ingredients can be adjusted easily for your taste and personal preference.

• If you are short on time and need a cream cheese mixture, try the herbed cream cheese mixture at the grocery store. It’s tasty and will work just fine.

• Make sure cream cheese is room temperature before mixing and spreading.

• I use fresh dill and chives.

• These sandwiches will hold up for a few hours at room temperature, but not much longer.

• You can mix the cream cheese mixture a day or two in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Soften the cream cheese before assembling the sandwiches.

• Cut the crusts off of the bread for a fancier sandwich and cut into different shapes.

• If you are using regular garden cucumbers, drain them on a paper towel before adding them to the bread.

Storing Cucumber Cream Cheese Mixture

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Ready made sandwiches will last for about 24 hours in the refrigerator if your cucumbers don’t have a lot of excess moisture in them.

Store all leftover cream cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This mixture will keep for 3-5 days. 

What to Do with Leftover Cream Cheese Mixture

The leftover herbed cream cheese mixture is great on other sandwiches, as a topping to your baked potato, or on crackers. You may need to soften the mixture just a bit before spreading on bread slices or crackers.

Party Beverages

If you are serving these cucumber sandwiches at a party or gathering, don’t forget the drinks. Here are a few beverages that pair well with these delightful tea sandwiches.

Limeade

Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade

Southern Sweet Tea

More Sandwich Recipes

Southern Tomato Sandwich

Egg Salad Sandwich

Fried Bologna Sandwich

Recipe FAQs