Cucumber Sandwiches – the Dos and Don’ts
This cucumber sandwich with cream cheese recipe started out as a bit of fun, but we soon realised that cucumber sandwiches are a pretty serious recipe. Well, in relative terms anyway.
I’ve eaten a lot of sandwiches in my life – as I calculated in this avocado sandwich recipe, probably about 8000. And that was two years ago!
Although I have slowed down on my sandwich intake, I still very much appreciate a good sandwich. And cucumber sandwiches rank up there with the best.
A mainstay of any excellent British garden party, the cucumber sandwich must pass several rigorous tests.
Be prepared to pass all scrutiny
Firstly, the bread must be extremely soft. White is more traditional, though wholegrain is absolutely fine. It’s the softness that’s important.
Secondly, the cream cheese and butter should be spread thickly. This a decadent sandwich, not one for the health-conscious.
Thirdly, the cucumber should be sliced thinly, and without skin. Just a little salt and pepper should be used, as it can quickly become overpowering. Dill or mint leaves are your friend – they pair well with cucumber and easily bring the sandwich up a level.
Optionally, you may remove the crusts from the cucumber sandwich. High-society usually did this, and would surely still approve – we don’t, however. What a waste of bread. And good food is not something that should be wasted. That being said, if you have a favourite dog/child/servant willing to eat said bread, knock yourselves out.
Anything else?
Finally, cucumber sandwiches should be presented as elegantly as possible. If you have a silver platter, this will do perfectly. Otherwise the ‘good china’ will do in a pinch. Although guests may eat from paper plates at impromptu picnics in the garden, a good cucumber sandwich must never be served on paper.
Now you’re armed with the knowledge to make the best cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese you’ve ever had. So, push forth and enjoy your endeavors and guest-pleasing adulation.
High Society Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese – the Dos and Don’ts
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread butter on half the slices of bread, and cream cheese on the other half.
- Peel and slice the cucumber thinly.
- Layer the cucumber slices on the buttered side. Dash a little salt and pepper onto the cucumber.
- Sprinkle over the dill or mint leaves.
- Slap cream cheese bread on top of cucumber bread.
Optional to serve:
- Remove crusts from bread, serve on silver platter 😉
These are one of my faves!! Will be sharing!
Mine too! Thanks Alison! 😀
I absolutely love these sandwiches. I will have to try the dill next time.
Delighted my mom with these. Thank you,
Happy to help, Sarah! 🙂
Do these stay nice if you make them the night before?
Hi Esther, I would try to eat them within a couple of hours of making – and keeping them covered in the meantime. The cucumber can make the bread soggy from the inside, and the bread would go dry if left for too long!
Thank you for the info, Dave
Happy to help 🙂
Hmmm yummy..good job.love it
Thank you, Radika! Enjoy 🙂
this is not a cucumber sandwich its a cheese and cucumber sandwich
Can’t argue with that. Don’t forget the dill!
i will defiantly try this! it sounds like an easy enough recipe to follow. thanks for the info!
Yess, deffo an easy snack this one!
Just a side note. When I host what my husband likes to call “hen” party I aways remove the crust. My Grandmother taught me to take the crusts prior to spreading off. Then place them in a brown paper bag to dry out( generally a week). Then I can crush them into bread crumbs or stuffing bread.
As long as they don’t get wasted, sounds great to me! Love the fact that the tip from your gran – different days when very little was wasted 🙂
This…
“That being said, if you have a favourite dog/child/servant willing to eat said bread”
Be careful to remember your servant might notice your uncouth and then who are you kidding!
😀
These were a big hit at my party! Thank you fr the delicious recipe! Will make again 🙂
AWESOME to hear! You’re welcome, and thank you for writing!
It is not the proper way, but none the less an elegant dish.
Would you care to elaborate, Professor?