Easy Cucumber Canapés are delicious small bites perfect for parties or brunch spreads. Four ingredients and five minutes are all you need to make these appetizers.

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These cucumber canapés are the easiest small bites to prepare. Add them to a brunch spread alongside tea sandwiches filled with egg salad with relish and ricotta crostini with raspberries.
Canapés are small bite-sized hors d'oeuvres (appetizers) often served as party food and are the perfect addition to brunch for Easter, Mother's Day, or bridal showers.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Four ingredients pack freshness and flavor into every bite.
- Five minutes is all you need to assemble these small bites.
- These easy yet fancy-looking nibbles are a delicious addition to any gathering.
Ingredient Notes
- English (seedless) cucumbers have tender, edible skin and tiny seeds that do not need to be removed.
- Boursin cheese spread is available in the gourmet cheese section of your local supermarket and comes in various 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
It's fun to get creative with the toppings. Try seasonal flavors that tie into the rest of your menu.
- Try whipped feta, goat cheese, or softened cream cheese.
- Add seasonings like lemon zest, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Top with prosciutto or thinly-sliced beef tenderloin.
How to Make Cucumber Canapés
Step 1: Trim the ends off of 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
- Soften the cheese at room temperature before using.
- Pipe the cheese onto the cucumber slices using piping bags and tips (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 ahead of time.
- Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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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
- Use room-temperature cheese for easy piping.
- Assemble when ready to serve. For the best results, do not assemble 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.