CUCUMBER AND CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH
The cucumber and cream cheese sandwich is a light, refreshing and classic dish that brings together soft whole wheat bread, smooth cream cheese and crisp cucumber slices. This sandwich is a perfect choice for a quick lunch, a nutritious snack, or an elegant addition to an afternoon tea spread. The mild, cooling flavour of cucumber pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the cheese, making each bite satisfying and delicious. This sandwich is a staple in British tea culture and is often served at garden parties, picnics and casual gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be customised with various herbs, spices, or spreads to suit different tastes. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome snack or a light meal, this simple yet elegant sandwich is perfect for both adults and children.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Snack, Lunch, Appetiser, Brunch
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
British, European
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, 5 Ingredients or Less, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic, Potluck, Family Reunion, Party, Afternoon Tea, Spring, Summer, Bridal Shower, Easter, Mother’s Day
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Kid-Friendly, Low Cholesterol, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Sandwich, Snack, Appetiser
INGREDIENTS
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 1 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/4 cucumber, sliced
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fats: 6g
- Fibre: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Calcium: 10% of daily intake
- Iron: 8% of daily intake
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Ingredients: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and pat it dry. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice it into thin, even rounds.
- Spread The Cream Cheese: Use a butter knife to evenly spread one tablespoon of cream cheese on one slice of bread, ensuring complete coverage for flavour in every bite.
- Layer The Cucumber Slices: Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer over the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them for even distribution.
- Assemble The Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top and gently press down to secure the layers.
- Trim And Slice: If desired, trim the crusts off for a traditional tea sandwich and cut into rectangles or triangles for serving.
- Serve And Enjoy: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
None (No-Cook)
TIPS
- Bread Selection: Use fresh, soft whole wheat or white sandwich bread for the best texture. If you prefer a lighter sandwich, try using thinly sliced bread.
- Cucumber Preparation: Thin slices ensure an even bite and prevent the sandwich from being too bulky. Using a mandoline helps create uniform slices.
- Extra Flavour: Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a dash of lemon juice to enhance the taste. Fresh dill or chives mixed into the cream cheese also add a delicious herbal note.
- Prevent Sogginess: If preparing in advance, lightly pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before assembling to remove excess moisture.
- Elegant Presentation: For a more refined serving, cut the sandwich into smaller portions and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.
VARIATIONS
- Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or chives with the cream cheese for an extra burst of flavour.
- Protein Boost: Add smoked salmon, turkey, or thinly sliced boiled egg for additional protein.
- Cheese Alternative: Swap cream cheese for Greek yoghurt spread, ricotta, or hummus for a different flavour profile.
- Crunchy Addition: Layer in fresh lettuce or alfalfa sprouts for added texture and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or serve the ingredients as an open-faced snack without bread.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store prepared sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Place a damp paper towel over them to keep the bread soft.
- Meal Prep Tip: To maintain freshness, store cucumber slices separately and assemble the sandwich just before eating.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread and cucumber will lose their texture when thawed.