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Cream Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich

Start to feel a little peckish around mid-morning? Have these easy elevenses Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches with your tea or coffee. This decadent sandwich is super easy to prepare, and can be made ONLY with 3 ingredients such as white bread, plain cream cheese and English cucumber.

Perfect for afternoon tea or children’s tea party.

a stack of cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches on a blue serving tray. served alongside is a cup of tea

For Brits, sandwiches are enjoyed for elevenses, lunch or afternoon tea. I may have already had thousands of sandwiches by now, whether its a Cheese Ploughman’s or a simple cheese and tomato.

One of my favourites in the summertime is this Yogurt and Herb Sandwich.

a stack of cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches on a blue rectangular tray. The sandwich is garnished with fresh dill.

What are Elevenses?

Well, it is almost a British teatime tradition, but actually isn’t that old.

According to historian Bruce Richardson who specialised in British tea, this concept may have popped up in the 20th century because there’s no reference to the term in 1800s literature. Nonetheless, elevenses is strongly ingrained in today’s British culture. 

Around 11am, it is the most popular short meal break taken known as elevenses, which comes after proper breakfast and before proper lunch.

Usually, one or two types of delicious snacks such as biscuits, cookies or a slice of cake and a cup of tea or coffee are taken.

Although elevenses menu consists of biscuits, cakes and muffins, I don’t mind something savoury for breaks like elevenses. Then why not Cream Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich!

These quintessentially English sandwiches are considered as high society food, and it is simple to make but ridiculously tasty. They are great for luncheons, elevenses, afternoon tea or picnic.

These sandwiches composed of delicious spread that is combined of two ingredients, cream cheese and herb and topped with refreshing paper-thin cucumbers a refreshing bite between crustless white bread.

These finger sandwiches makes the perfect appetizer, snack or excellent British garden party, and liked by old and young as they are light and refreshing.

If preparing for an afternoon tea, you can serve them alongside these Lavender Scones and Masala Chai.

two cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches on a round blue plate served with a cup of tea

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Ingredients

Includes variations. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

The three main ingredients include bread, spread and cucumber. While the herbs are optional, they are totally worth adding!

Bread – First and most important ingredient of these sandwiches is bread.

Traditionally white bread is used, but whole grain is absolutely fine too. The bread must be extremely soft, softness is most important for a delicious sandwich. You can also use gluten-free bread.

Dairy – Plain full fat soft cream cheese and butter plays a big role for yummy and tasty sandwiches.

Cucumber
– English cucumber is best for this recipe as the seeds are small and delicate. In the traditional recipe, the cucumber is peeled and thinly sliced (almost paper thin). However, if you keep the peel on, it won’t harm but only adds fibre in your diet.

Herbs –
 traditionally fresh dill is used for this recipe, but chives would be a great choice too. Chop the herbs finely. If you cannot find fresh, use dried herbs. You can try other dried herb mixes if you wish.

Seasoning – Freshly ground salt and black pepper.

cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches ingredients on 5 white scollop plates

How to make Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

These are so simple and easy to make, you may want to include your young cook if you want.

First I would start with preparing the spread. 

Take cream cheese, dill and/or chives in a bowl, dried or fresh or skip totally. However fresh tastes so much better. You may add salt and black pepper at this stage or sprinkle later.

cream cheese, fresh herbs and sesoning in a small white bowl

Combine everything in a bowl and leave it aside.

cream cheese spread in a bowl on a marble cutting board

Once spread is done, make thin slices of the cucumber. In the traditional recipe cucumber is peeled but once again if you prefer to leave it on, there is no harm in doing that.

Now you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Evenly spread butter on both slices of crustless white bread.

soft butter spreaded on two white bread slices

Spread the cream cheese on one slice.

cream cheese and herb sandwich spread applied on a one slice of bread

Place cucumber slices on top.

two slices of bread on a cutting board, one with butter on top another one with cream cheese and cucumber

Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper and top with the other slice of bread. If you already haven’t added in the first step.

one bread slice covers another one

Cut it into the desired shape – either triangles or rectangles (finger sandwiches).

cucumber and cream cheese sanwich cut into halves on a marble cutting board

How to store

Although I would love to make sandwiches just before eating, sometimes I make them in advance.

These sandwiches can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

You want to make sure that each bread slice is fully covered with the butter and cream cheese spread. Spreading any fat like butter, margarine or cream cheese on the bread slice, works as a barrier for the wet ingredients such as tomato and cucumber.

It also helps to pat dry the cucumber to get rid of excess moisture.

Once prepared, cut into slices and store it in an airtight container.

Can I make these sandwiches vegan and gluten-free?

Definitely, you can. Use vegan cream cheese and butter and gluten free bread for this recipe.

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!

A stack of cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches on a rectangular blue plate. The sandwiches are garnished with a sprig of dill.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Hayley Dhanecha
Make these delicious Cream Cheese and Cucumber Sandwiches for elevenses, tea party or afternoon tea. These vegetarian sandwiches can be ready within 5 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course afternoon tea, Appetizer, Brunch, lunch
Cuisine British
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 228 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 slices bread White bread. You can use wholemeal or gluten-free bread. Cut off the crusts if you wish.
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 80 gram cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs dill and chives
  • Salt and pepper pinch to taste
  • ¼ cucumber finely sliced

Instructions
 

  • Mix 80 gram cream cheese with 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs and set aside
    soft cream cheese and fresh herbs in a white bowl
  • Spread 1 tbsp butter on 8 slices bread
    soft butter spreaded on two white bread slices
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture on one side of the 4 slices of bread
    cream cheese and herb sandwich spread applied on a one slice of bread
  • Top with 1/4 cucumber and Salt and pepper.
  • Cover each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread
    two slices of bread on a cutting board, one with butter on top another one with cream cheese and cucumber
  • Press it gently with your hands.
    one bread slice covers another one
  • Cut into desired shape and serve.
    cucumber and cream cheese sanwich cut into halves on a marble cutting board

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Amount per Serving
Calories
228
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
21
mg
7
%
Sodium
 
333
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
141
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
374
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
98
mg
10
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutritional information provided is an approximation calculated by an online calculator/plugin. Please consult a professional dietitian for nutritional advice.

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Recipe Rating




Melanie varey

Monday 3rd of June 2019

A classic combination. The addition of the herbs really brings it all to life.

Sasmita

Tuesday 2nd of April 2019

Love how beautifully the clicks are of the sandwich ! seems quite simple still awesome post. the dill leaves are the star here particularly :)

Pavani

Monday 1st of April 2019

I simply love these sandwiches and they look so cute with full of flavours. My kids will definitely enjoy this. Thanks for the lovely share.

Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Monday 1st of April 2019

These are such simple sandwiches but with great flavors. I am now tempted to make some soon for my boys. They would love this their school lunch or as an after school snack.

veena

Sunday 31st of March 2019

Love simple sandwiches. The addition of dill must be adding a lively flavour. The pictures are lovely. Feel like picking it up from the screen