Keep your next party fuss-free with these easy cucumber canapés, a simple yet elegant appetizer ready in minutes with just four ingredients.
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Cucumber canapés are easy, small bites, and with just a little bit of assembly, they are ideal for parties or last-minute guests.
Canapés are bite-sized hors d'oeuvres (appetizers) typically made with a small piece of bread and a savory topping. This low-carb version starts with cucumber slices topped with a creamy cheese spread, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
I love the festive red and green color that adds a pretty flair to any holiday table, alongside these baked brie and fig jam bites.
Their crisp and fresh texture also makes them ideal for serving at a spring brunch. Think Easter, Mother's Day, or bridal showers, served alongside other dainty nibbles, such as cucumber radish tea sandwiches and tea sandwiches filled with egg salad with relish.
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Ingredient Notes
- English (seedless) cucumbers have tender, edible skin and tiny seeds that do not need to be removed. Avoid cucumbers with seeds, as they can give the canapés a watery texture.
- Boursin cheese spread is available in the gourmet cheese section of your local supermarket and comes in a variety of flavors. I love using the Garlic and Herb or Shallot and Chive varieties.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: I prefer oil-packed for extra flavor, and DeLallo Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta is my favorite.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
Variations & Substitutions
It's fun to get creative with the toppings.
- Try whipped feta, goat cheese, or softened cream cheese.
- Add seasonings like lemon zest, fresh dill, capers, salt, and black pepper.
- Top with prosciutto. crispy bacon, or thinly-sliced beef tenderloin.
- Swap out the cucumber for a slice of radish.
Try incorporating seasonal flavors that complement the rest of your menu. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh dill
- Scallion cream cheese, crispy bacon, and chives
- Goat cheese, chives, and pomegranate seeds
- Horseradish sauce, beef tenderloin, flaky sea salt
- Whipped feta, green olive tapenade, fresh parsley
How to Make Cucumber Canapés
Step 1: Trim the ends off the cucumber. Peel alternating strips to create a striped effect. Cut into ½ slices.
Step 2: Top each cucumber slice with basil, a dollop of cheese spread, sun-dried tomatoes, and flaky sea salt. Serve.
Expert Tips
- Allow the cheese to soften at room temperature before using.
- Pipe the cheese onto the cucumber slices using a piping bag fitted with a tip (or a small zipper-top bag).
- Assemble just before serving. For the best results, I prefer to assemble these no more than 1-2 hours before serving. Store them covered loosely with plastic wrap in the fridge.
- Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Cucumber Canapés FAQs
It's best to make them the day of, no more than 1-2 hours before serving, for the freshest taste and texture.
Whipped feta or herbed goat cheese are great choices. For a dairy-free option, try hummus.
It's best to use seedless cucumbers which have minimal moisture. If seedless cucumbers, also known as English cucumbers, aren't available, slice and lightly salt the cucumber to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel before assembling the canapés.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Cucumber Canapés
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Ingredients
- 1 large seedless cucumber
- 5 ounces garlic and herb cheese spread, like Boursin (softened to room temperature)
- 18-20 fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim the ends off of the cucumber. Peel the cucumber in alternating stripes, if desired. Slice the cucumber into ½ inch slices. (One large seedless cucumber should yield about 18-20 slices). Set aside.1 large seedless cucumber
- Add the softened cheese to a bowl and stir until smooth. Add to a piping bag fitted with a tip. Lay a basil leaf on each cucumber slice and pipe a dollop of cheese on top. Add a small spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.5 ounces garlic and herb cheese spread, like Boursin, ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 18-20 fresh basil leaves
Notes
- It's best to use seedless cucumbers, which have minimal moisture. If seedless cucumbers, also known as English cucumbers, aren't available, lightly salt the cucumber slices to draw out moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling.
- Use room-temperature cheese for easy piping.
- Assemble when ready to serve. For optimal results, assemble no more than 1-2 hours in advance.
- Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Nancy says
Can these be made ahead of time?
Abbey says
Nancy,
I would suggest making these no more than 12 hours ahead of time. We want the cucumbers to taste super fresh. If making ahead of time, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Wait to add the basil until just before serving.