Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwich Recipe

 ~Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

~Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwiches

~Salmon and Dill Bruschetta (Recipe to Come)

~Orange Cranberry Scones (Recipe to Come)

~Lemon and Cream Trifle (Recipe to Come)

~Applewood Smoked Ham and Havarti Ciabatta (Recipe to Come)

Continuing our Series on Teatime at Home: Simple Elegance, the feature this week are Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwiches, which are beautiful as well as incredibly versatile and can be served in far more settings than teatime alone. Their light fresh flavor and amazing aroma make them ideal for any number of gatherings, luncheons, showers, parties, spring or summer entertaining and brunches. They are just the ticket where guests mingle and can enjoy small plates rather than a sit-down meal and best yet, they can be prepared in a flash! They remind us that something this graceful and delightful on the serving tray always adds glamour to any table.

When I was growing up, I rarely remember, if at all, my father or brothers ever eating a cucumber chive sandwich. We usually had them for wedding and baby showers and for gatherings that mostly included women. I’m not sure that is true today though, as men now attend these events and happily munch away on these little gems, where they pair well with chilled Pinot Grigio, mimosas, sparkling water, champagne punch or prosecco, my absolute fave! 

Ah, where to serve them, a buffet or light meal where wonderful fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, grapes, strawberries or melon are paraded alongside egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches, deviled eggs, quiches, and salmon crostini are perfect accompaniments. For more substantial fare, soups that are chilled are great with these cucumber chive sandwiches-mint soup, avocado soup, Gazpacho, and Vichyssoise. Fresh vegetables, French onion dip and pasta tossed with a simple butter sauce, marinara or pesto are lovely additions as well.  

What our family likes about these seasonal sandwiches, is that in spring, we can 

serve them with Easter lunch, Mother’s Day Brunch, or among wonderful blooming plants out of doors by our flower garden. When it gets warmer in summer it is nice to be seated out of the blasted heat under the covered porch, breezeway, Porte Cochere, or patio. We always have fizzy water with gobs of fruit alongside to accompany them. 

I love the delicate taste of these cucumber chive sandwiches. We pick chives out of the garden and chop them up itty bitty, where the lively green color adds to the tidy presentation of thin slices of bread and a thin smear of cream cheese. They are particularly inviting and feel fresh and just right, with chives and cucumbers growing in our garden now.

I hope you’ll try these comforting and refined cucumber and chive tea treats. They can be the star of the show for an afternoon with your family or when friends stop by unexpectedly for a light bite, or on a buffet table and for an exceptional afternoon tea. There is something timeless and enduring no matter the setting. They shine and give joy to a thoughtfully prepared meal that is memorable and delightful for those you care about. Their restrained elegance is what makes them not just a sandwich but a tradition for you to pass down forever and ever. 

~Look for our Blog and recipe for Salmon and Dill Bruschetta Tea Sandwich Recipe next time!

Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwich Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

Description: This classic tea sandwich is both light and refreshing. The smooth cream cheese herb spread pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber slices for a refined and elegant presentation. Each bite is simple, elegant, and suited for a traditional tea, buffet, party, summer or spring gathering or holiday. Don’t be fooled though, these crisp, delectable treats can disappear before your very eyes, so hold onto them before they escape onto someone else’s plate!

Ingredients:

- 1 loaf thin sliced bread, crust removed

- 8 oz cream cheese

- 3 tbsp mayonnaise

- 2 tsp dill

- 1 tsp chives

- 1/4 tsp garlic powder

- Salt and pepper

- 1 English cucumber thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Mix cream cheese, mayo, herbs, and seasoning.

2. Spread onto bread.

3. Add cucumber slices.

4. Top with bread and cut into finger sandwiches.