Mini Cucumber Sandwiches

Promising to be a hit, these tea sandwiches have a creamy dill and cream cheese filling, crisp cucumber slices, and a hint of everything bagel seasoning.

Read on to discover how simple it is to whip up an impressive finger food in little time.

Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese

Whether you serve it for yourself as a perfect light lunch treat or to a crowd, this recipe is a great choice for many reasons.

• Convenience: Super easy to assemble in advance, saving you time on the day of your event. They’re also mess-free, which is perfect for guests to enjoy as they chat.
• Light and Refreshing: The English cucumber’s crispness, combined with the creamy filling, is refreshing compared to heavier appetizers and dips.
• Perfect Portion Size: The small, bite-sized portions allow guests to try multiple types of food without getting too full.

Ingredients:

• cream cheese
• real mayonnaise
• fresh dill
• chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• English cucumber, thinly sliced
• whole wheat sandwich bread
• Everything bagel seasoning

How to make Mini Cucumber Sandwiches

In a bowl, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of minced fresh dill, and one tablespoon of chopped chives. 

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and stir until well blended.

Reserve 1-1/2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture, transferring it into a pastry bag fitted with a large tip.  If you try this tip for the dollop on top, you will need a large, open tip. Don’t try a star, even a large star, as the onions and herbs need to get out of the tip, and they won’t. I used a Wilton Tip #32.  Set aside the bag for later use.

Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly onto each of the six slices of whole wheat bread.

Place a single layer of thinly sliced English cucumber on three bread slices. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.

Top each with another slice of bread, creating three packed sandwiches.

Using a bread knife, remove the crusts from the sandwiches and discard them. Slice each sandwich into four rectangles.

Arrange the mini sandwiches on a serving platter. Pipe a small dollop of the reserved cream cheese mixture on top of each sandwich using the pastry bag and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The cream cheese mixture in this recipe can make up to 12 triangle sandwiches.

Can I make baby cucumber sandwiches ahead of time?

Let me preface that I am a big fan of “day of” food. It’s a personal preference based on my upbringing. But yes, you can assemble a day ahead.

Cucumbers can be watery, so wipe them down before adding them to the sandwich. Then, assemble the sandwiches, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them.

To keep everything fresh, always add the garnish before serving.

What are some alternatives to whole wheat bread?

You can use any soft bread you prefer. White, rye, or pumpernickel are great options, adding various colors and flavors.

How can I keep the cucumber slices from making the bread soggy?

Cucumbers are undoubtedly super watery. While this makes them delicious, it can also soften the bread.

The best method to prevent soggy sandwiches is to ensure your cucumber slices are thin and then blot them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Another tip is to ensure the cream cheese mixture is on the bread from edge to edge, providing a barrier between the bread and the vegetable.

Easy Variations and Alternative Decorations

While none of this really matters if making up for yourself, at a party, you may want the cucumber sandwiches to stand out. Try one of the following suggestions:

1. Flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
2. Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bread into fun shapes like circles, stars, or hearts.
3. Color: Add thin slices of radish or sprinkle some paprika over the top for a dash of color.