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One of my all-time favorite cucumber recipes is Cucumber and Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches a delicious, light, and easy cucumber recipe perfect for tea party sandwiches or snacks. Not only are these sandwiches super simple to make, but they’re also packed full of a smooth yet crunchy texture.

The coolness of the cucumber with a thin layer of cream cheese slathered on thicker than butter has a cool and velvety texture that is both satisfying and rejuvenating which will give you one tasty sandwich in minutes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious sandwiches:

• 1 medium cucumber
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese
• 8 slices of bread
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter
• Lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions for Making Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

Prepare the Cucumber

First, wash the cucumber well. If you’re looking for a silkier texture, peel off the cucumber skin. Thinly slice it into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. For optimal effects, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp blade to get uniform slices. After slicing, spread a layer of salt lightly over the cucumbers and allow them to rest a few minutes so that some of their water is released. Then, pat them off with paper towels.

Mix the Cream Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, and chives together. You can also include a bit of salt, pepper, and lemon zest for taste if you wish. Whisk ingredients together until herbs are mixed in throughout the cream cheese.

Prepare the Bread

If you would like, you can put a light layer of butter on the slices to stop the cream cheese from being soaked into the bread. Toast bread if you prefer a little crunch (but it is optional).

Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the cream cheese mixture generously and evenly over one side only of each slice of bread. Spread the cucumber slices over the cream cheese on half of the bread slices. Make sure the cucumbers slightly overlap so that the whole surface is covered. Finally top with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down.

Cut and Serve

You can cut them into quarters or half depending on your taste and presentation Doesn’t get fancier than this! They cut and slice very neatly, so make rectangular sandwiches for picnics or if you are having tea, etc., then they can be cut into small triangles/finger size.

Variations of Cucumber Sandwiches

While the classic cucumber and cream cheese sandwich recipe is perfect as is, there are many ways to customize the sandwich to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Herbed Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich: Mix cream cheese with fresh herbs which will improve the flavor of the cream cheese. You can also expand this recipe with any of these herbs: basil, mint, or even tarragon would add depth to the flavor. Herbs provide freshness, cutting through the rich cream cheese and perfectly pair with the cooling cucumbers.
• Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwich: Turn this sandwich into an actual meal by layering thin slices of smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumber. The smokiness of the salmon contrasts perfectly with the chill cucumbers and creamy spread.
• Avocado and Cucumber Sandwich: Layer slices of ripe avocado in addition to the original toppings for extra creaminess and fats. The avocado really adds a lot of creamy savor to the cream absurd and pairs so nicely with the flavorless crunchy freshness of the cucumber.
• Spicy Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich: Squeeze in the crushed red pepper flakes or a tinge of hot sauce into that cream cheese for some heat.
• Gluten-Free Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich: This can be adjusted to be gluten-free with regular bread, or made in a crescent wrap. If you have to go the gluten-free route, you will still get all of those light and fresh flavors from the cucumber, but because there is a thin layer of cream cheese inside it’s not like eating soggy bread.
• Add more veggies: Hydrated: Because cucumbers are 95% water, they could help you stay hydrated throughout the summer months.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sandwich

• Use fresh cucumbers: Freshness in the cucumber, is key to making the sandwich flavorous. Use an English cucumber if available, these have fewer seeds and the skin is usually thinner.
• Avoid soggy bread: Make sure you pat dry your cucumber slices before adding them between layers so they don´t add moisture.
• Serve immediately: These are best eaten right away. If you are making them ahead of time, simply assemble them right before serving and store them in the fridge covered with a wet paper towel so they stay fresh.
• Test bread: Do not be afraid to experiment with the bread. Sourdough, whole wheat, or even pumpernickel can be used to give the classic recipe a different flavor.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Sandwich

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are not only delicious but also offer some health benefits:

• Hydrated: Because cucumbers are 95% water, they could help you stay hydrated throughout the summer months.
• Few calories: These sandwiches are lower-calorie so would make a good, light snack/ meal for those trying to maintain or lose weight.
• Vitamins: Cucumbers are high in vitamins A and C for skin health and immune function. Add fresh herbs such as dill and chives which are loaded with both—antioxidants!
• Protein power: A bit of protein in the cream cheese helps keep your hunger in check.

Conclusion

The cucumber and cream cheese sandwich recipe is a classic pairing that provides equal parts simplicity and sophistication. This sandwich is ideal for an afternoon tea or quick lunch, but it also makes a great party appetizer.

You can also enjoy it in other ways, along with the fact that you have the option to customize and make something light. Try this recipe and you will have a new favorite sandwich in no time.