Cucumber and Radish English Tea Sandwiches

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Perfect for a party platter, a light lunch, or afternoon tea, these Cucumber and Radish English Tea Sandwiches are delicious and easy to make. No cooking required and just four ingredients!

sandwich on a small plate next to a platter of sandwiches

Table of Contents show

Fun petite sandwiches

You don't have to be a tea drinker to enjoy a pretty tiered platter of dainty treats. With savory bites like BLT Appetizer Cups and sweet ones like Strawberry Tea sandwiches and Lemon Curd Tartlets, sampling a variety is so much fun. These English tea sandwiches are similar to those served at afternoon tea. With just four ingredients these nibbles are easy to make and are full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Bread - Always use fresh bread. I prefer bread that is sliced a little on the thin side. Pumpernickel, rye, and sourdough are some of my favorites. White, marble rye, or whole grain can also be used.
Cheese spread - I love having a creamy component in tea sandwiches. These English tea sandwiches start with a layer of Boursin cheese, a soft, creamy French cheese called Gournay. Boursin comes in a variety of flavors. For this recipe, I used Basil and Chive. Alternatively, you can use flavored cream cheese or whipped feta or goat cheese.
Vegetables - Thinly sliced cucumber and radish provide a fresh crisp bite and beautiful color.

Instructions

Spread each slice of bread with the cheese spread.
Layer with thin slices of cucumber and radish.

two slices of bread topped with cheese spread; one topped with cucumber and the other with radish

Close the sandwich and trim off the crusts. Cut into squares or triangles.
Secure with toothpicks, if desired. Serve.

Tips for making and serving

Trim off the crust and cut the sandwiches into small triangles or squares. Tea sandwiches should be small so you can sample a variety.
The cheese spread provides a barrier between the bread and the veggies. This prevents the bread from getting soggy. A thin layer of butter can be used to protect the bread when using fillings like egg salad.
Keep the sandwiches fresh by wrapping in plastic wrap and refrigerating until ready to serve - up to a few hours in advance. When using fillings with more moisture, such as egg or ham salad, assemble the sandwiches right before serving.

white platter of sandwiches next to leftover cucumber and radish

Faq's

What is served at an afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea should include a variety of sweet and savory small bites: finger or tea sandwiches with various fillings, mini scones or biscuits, small cakes or petit fours, or cookies. The treats should be dainty finger foods so you can enjoy sampling.

What bread is best for tea sandwiches?

Always use fresh bread. Pumpernickel, rye, sourdough, marble rye, white, and whole grain are all great options. Thin-sliced bread - not more than ½ inch thick - is best. The sandwich fillings shouldn't get lost in too much bread.

What are the most popular sandwich fillings?

Egg salad, smoked salmon, chicken or ham salad, shrimp or crab salad, Brie and fig, and beef and horseradish are popular tea sandwich fillings. Get creative with the flavor combinations that you love.

Can I make tea sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, these sandwiches can be made ahead of time, but not more than a few hours in advance. Wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. When using fillings with more moisture like cucumbers or egg salad, assemble the sandwiches right before serving. It also helps to spread the bread with a cheese spread or butter to protect the bread from becoming soggy.

Equipment

Mandolin

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