Making these cucumber sandwiches is as easy as pie, and they’re perfect for a tea party, a light lunch, or just a snack when you feel like treating yourself to something a little special. What makes these sandwiches stand out is the creamy spread, a harmonious blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream with a hint of lemon zest and fresh dill. That citrusy tang combined with the earthy dill just dances on your taste buds.
Remembering how my grandmother would slice cucumbers paper-thin with her trusty mandoline, I’ve kept to that tradition. It ensures that every bite is filled with both the creaminess of the spread and the crispness of the cucumber. It’s fascinating how a simple sandwich can evoke such powerful memories and bring people together. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delightful cucumber sandwiches that might just become your new favorite too!
How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
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Ingredients:
- 1 loaf whole wheat bread (or light rye bread)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 English cucumber
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, onion powder, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Use a mandoline to cut the cucumber into thin, even rounds.
- Spread a hearty layer of the cream cheese mix on one side of each bread slice.
- Arrange the cucumber slices over the cream cheese layer, ensuring they slightly overlap to cover the bread.
- Place another slice of bread on top, cream cheese side facing down, forming a sandwich.
- Trim off the crusts for a tidy appearance, and slice each sandwich diagonally into two triangles.
- Repeat the process until all the bread is used up and you’ve crafted an array of sandwiches.
Don’t Have Cream Cheese? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta cheese to maintain the creamy texture. Greek yogurt can be another choice, offering a tangy twist. For a dairy-free option, consider using cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. These ingredients will keep the sandwiches delicious and satisfying.
Best Ways to Store Cucumber Sandwiches Leftover
To keep your cucumber sandwiches fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best when consumed within 24 hours to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and the softness of the bread. If needed, you can prepare the cream cheese spread ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing iced tea. Consider serving them alongside a garden salad or a bowl of fresh fruit for a light lunch. For a more substantial meal, add a chilled soup like gazpacho or a classic tomato soup.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Sandwiches
Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth spread. Using a mandoline guarantees even cucumber slices, creating a more uniform sandwich. Fresh dill adds a wonderful aroma, but if unavailable, dried dill can work in a pinch. Always trim the crusts for a classic, neat presentation.
Seasonal Twists for Cucumber Sandwiches
During spring, add thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch. In summer, incorporate fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist. Fall is perfect for adding a touch of apple slices, while winter can see a hint of pomegranate seeds for color and flavor. Each variation offers a unique seasonal flair.
FAQs:
What bread is best for cucumber sandwiches?
Whole wheat and light rye bread are excellent choices, offering a sturdy yet soft base. However, you can also try white sandwich bread for a classic touch. The key is to use bread that holds the spread without becoming soggy, ensuring the sandwich remains fresh and delicious.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese spread a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches on the day of serving for maximum freshness. This approach ensures the bread doesn’t become soggy, and the cucumbers retain their crunch.
Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Thinly sliced radishes or carrots add a lovely crunch. You can also include fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic twist. Remember to keep the additional ingredients light to maintain the sandwich’s delicate balance.
How can I make these sandwiches vegan?
To make vegan cucumber sandwiches, substitute the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream with their plant-based counterparts. Options like vegan cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise work beautifully. The result is a delicious sandwich that caters to a vegan diet without compromising flavor.
Why do we trim the crusts off the sandwiches?
Trimming the crusts off not only gives the sandwiches a neat and elegant appearance but also ensures a uniform texture in every bite. This is especially appealing for finger foods at tea parties or gatherings, where presentation and ease of eating are key.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
Cucumber slices should be thin enough to be flexible but thick enough to hold their texture. Using a mandoline ensures precise slices, typically around 1/8 inch thick. This thickness provides the right balance between the creaminess of the spread and the crispness of the cucumber.
Cucumber Sandwiches
Equipment
- mandoline
Ingredients
- 1 loaf whole wheat bread (or light rye bread)
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Start by blending the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill in a bowl until fully blended.
Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
- Spread a generous portion of the cream cheese mixture onto one side of a slice of bread.
- Arrange the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese, overlapping slightly.
- Add another slice of bread on top, cream cheese side down, to create a sandwich.
- Trim the edges of the sandwich to make them neat, and slice diagonally into two triangles.
- Continue this process until all the bread is used up to make sandwiches.
