Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Imagine a warm, sunny afternoon, the faint sound of laughter in the background, and a tray of dainty, delicate tea sandwiches sitting in front of you. Among the assortment of treats, these Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches steal the show. With a perfect balance of crisp cucumber, rich cream cheese, and a hint of tangy dill, every bite is light yet satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a fancy afternoon tea or just looking for a refreshing snack, these sandwiches are the perfect bite-sized delight. They’re simple to make but feel elegant and special—trust me, you’re going to love them!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

These tea sandwiches aren’t just delicious—they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire:

Refreshing and Light:

The cucumber brings a fresh, cool crunch, making these sandwiches the perfect bite on a warm day or as an appetizer at any gathering. It’s like a little refreshing treat for your tastebuds!

Elegant and Simple:

These sandwiches are so easy to make, yet they look fancy enough for a high tea or brunch. Perfect for impressing your guests without a lot of effort—it’s all about the subtle elegance!

Versatile:

While they’re often served at tea parties, these sandwiches can be paired with just about any meal or served as a snack. They also make a great addition to a picnic basket or potluck spread.

Customizable:

Feel free to add your own twist! A dash of lemon zest or a handful of fresh herbs can take the flavor to the next level. The beauty of these sandwiches is how easily you can adjust them to fit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing:

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love these! Whether it’s kids, adults, or picky eaters, everyone finds something irresistible about the creamy, fresh cucumber filling.

Ingredients

Making these sandwiches is all about a few fresh ingredients coming together to create something simple yet spectacular. Here’s what you need:

Cucumber

Thinly sliced, the cucumber brings that crisp, refreshing bite. It’s the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Cream Cheese

The creamy base that holds everything together. It’s smooth, luscious, and slightly tangy, making it the perfect complement to the cucumbers.

Mayonnaise

Adds richness and helps bring the cream cheese and cucumber together to create a smooth, spreadable filling.

Fresh Dill

A little bit of fresh dill takes this sandwich from good to great. It adds a pop of freshness and complements the cucumber perfectly.

Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors, giving the filling that little extra zing.

Salt and Pepper

For seasoning, of course! Just a pinch to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

White Bread

Soft, fluffy, and without crusts, this is the perfect base for these dainty sandwiches.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to create these elegant sandwiches? Let’s jump right into it!

Prepare the Cucumber

Start by washing and thinly slicing the cucumber. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get paper-thin slices that will layer beautifully on the sandwich. You can also sprinkle the cucumber slices with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture—this helps keep your sandwiches crisp and fresh.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be spreadable, not too runny, but still smooth enough to coat the cucumbers.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Trim the crusts off the white bread to make the sandwiches extra delicate and dainty. Spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture onto each slice of bread. Add a few slices of cucumber on top of the filling, making sure to cover the bread evenly.

Cut and Serve

Once the sandwiches are assembled, cut them into small triangles or fingers. Arrange them neatly on a platter, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a slice of cucumber for that professional touch.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 180 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

These sandwiches are best served fresh, but here are a few ideas on how to enhance your tea party or gathering:

Afternoon Tea

Pair these sandwiches with a warm pot of Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea. The light, refreshing flavors complement the tea perfectly.

Fresh Fruit

Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, or melon for a sweet, light contrast to the savory sandwiches.

Light Soup

These sandwiches would be delicious alongside a delicate bowl of soup, like a chilled cucumber or tomato bisque, making for a light yet filling lunch.

Tea Party Platter

Make a variety of tea sandwiches—such as smoked salmon or egg salad—and serve them on a tiered platter with some scones and jam for an extra special touch.

Additional Tips

• Use Seedless Cucumbers: If you’re looking for an even smoother bite, go for seedless cucumbers, which have less moisture and seeds to deal with.
• Chill the Filling: For an even cooler, refreshing bite, make the cream cheese filling ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for an hour before assembling.
• Go Vegan: For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese and mayo for a vegan cream cheese and plant-based mayo.
• Cut Into Fun Shapes: If you’re serving these at a kids’ party or special event, use cookie cutters to cut the sandwiches into fun shapes, like hearts or stars!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cucumber filling and slice the bread ahead of time, but try to assemble the sandwiches close to serving time to keep them fresh and crisp.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
A1: Absolutely! Whole wheat bread works just fine, though it might give the sandwiches a slightly different flavor and texture. Feel free to use any bread you prefer!

Q2: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A2: While these sandwiches are best served fresh, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.

Q3: How do I keep the cucumber slices from getting soggy?
A3: A great trick is to lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out the moisture, then simply pat them dry before assembling the sandwiches.

Q4: Can I use store-bought dill instead of fresh dill?
A4: You can use dried dill, but fresh dill really brings out the flavor in this recipe. If using dried dill, just use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q5: Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free?
A5: Yes! You can use gluten-free bread to make these sandwiches gluten-free. Just make sure it’s fresh so it doesn’t fall apart.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last for a short while if needed.

Q7: Can I add other veggies to the sandwiches?
A7: Of course! You could add thin slices of avocado or even a bit of lettuce for extra texture. Just make sure not to overload the sandwiches so they don’t get too soggy.

Q8: How can I make these sandwiches spicier?
A8: If you like a little heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling. It’ll add a nice kick to balance out the cool cucumber.

Q9: What else can I serve with these sandwiches?
A9: You can serve these with other light, savory bites like cheese cubes, olives, or a fresh green salad. Or for dessert, go for something light like lemon shortbread cookies.

Q10: Are these sandwiches suitable for a vegan diet?
A10: Yes, you can make them vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and mayonnaise. The flavors will still shine through beautifully!

Conclusion

These Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a simple yet elegant treat that will make any gathering feel extra special. They’re refreshing, creamy, and full of flavor—plus, they’re a breeze to make! Whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a light snack, these sandwiches are the perfect choice. Try them out, and watch them disappear from the platter in no time!

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