Are you struggling with the menu for a dinner gathering? Here’s a simple and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a dinner party – Cucumber Sandwiches. The origin of cucumber sandwiches can be traced back to the late 19th century in England when this snack became very popular in high society afternoon teas. Its easy preparation and fresh taste make it an ideal choice for social gatherings and afternoon teas. Initially, this sandwich was mainly composed of thinly sliced white bread, cucumber slices, and cream cheese, gaining popularity for its delicate flavor. The preparation hasn’t changed much over the years, and you can customize it to your taste by adding a touch of lemon juice, herbs, or basil. Despite its simplicity, the combination creates a rich taste experience. Join me in making it!
Equipment
Automatic grinder
Knife
Image From Amazon
How to make it
Image From emilybites.com
Prepare the Cucumber
Wash the cucumber, then use a knife to thinly slice it. If you prefer, you can choose to remove the cucumber seeds to prevent the sandwich from becoming too moist.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix the soft cream cheese and fresh lemon juice until well combined. You can also add some salt and black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste.
Prepare the Toasted Bread
Evenly spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread, ensuring that the edges are coated as well.
Add Cucumber Slices
Place the thinly sliced cucumber evenly on one of the slices of bread. You can add as many cucumber slices as you like, depending on your preference.
Cover the Sandwich
Use another slice of bread, spread with cream cheese, to cover the cucumber slices, creating a sandwich.
Cut the Sandwich
Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich. You can choose to cut it in half or into quarters, depending on personal preference and the occasion.
Garnish
If desired, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped dill or parsley on top of the sandwich to add color and flavor.
Tips
Classic Bread Choice: White toast is the classic choice. Choose fresh white bread and ensure that the slices are thin enough to guarantee a light texture.
Cucumber Preparation: If you choose to keep the cucumber skin, be sure to thoroughly wash it. If you want to avoid the sandwich becoming too moist, you can opt to remove the cucumber seeds.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes it easier to mix evenly and spread on the bread.
Seasoning: Add a suitable amount of salt and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the flavor. Some people also like to add some chopped fresh dill or parsley to the mixture for additional fragrance.
Patient Spreading: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the toast, making sure each bite captures the wonderful combination of cucumber and cream cheese.
Showcasing Knife Skills: Use a sharp knife to trim the edges around the sandwich first, and then cut it into appropriately sized pieces. This ensures a neat appearance.
Immediate Enjoyment: It’s best to enjoy the sandwiches immediately after preparation to ensure the toast stays crisp without absorbing too much moisture.
How to keep cucumbers fresh
Removing Seeds: Cucumber seeds contain a lot of moisture, which can make the sandwich damp. Before slicing, you can choose to use a spoon or a small knife to remove the cucumber seeds.
Pickling Cucumber: Lightly sprinkle some salt on the cucumber slices and let them sit for a moment. Then, gently wipe them with a paper towel or kitchen tissue. This helps to remove excess moisture, making the cucumber more crisp and reducing the likelihood of releasing moisture in the sandwich.
Refrigeration: If you don’t plan to consume the sandwich immediately, it’s advisable to refrigerate it after preparation.
Ingredient Layering: Spread cream cheese on both inner sides of the bread slices, creating a barrier to prevent direct contact between the cucumber and bread. This helps maintain the crispness of the bread without affecting its texture with excess moisture.
Possible Pairings
Fruit Salad: Pair it with a vibrant fruit salad featuring fruits like strawberries, blueberries, orange slices, etc., for a refreshing and delicious combination.
Tomato Yogurt Salad: Combine with a healthy vegetable salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and yogurt dressing for a nutritious vegetable salad.
Cold Pasta Salad: Pair with a cold pasta salad, tossing in some olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs for a light and easy lunch.
Chicken Salad: Serve alongside a chicken salad, such as Caesar salad or an Asian-flavored chicken salad, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Vegetable Kebabs: Enjoy with some grilled vegetable kebabs, featuring colorful peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.
Creamy Soup: Pair with a bowl of creamy soup like tomato soup, cucumber soup, or chicken vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
Chilled Seafood Salad: Combine with a chilled seafood salad featuring shrimp, crab meat, etc., adding lemon juice and herbs to enhance the flavor.
This simple dish may only take you less than ten minutes, but its refreshing taste can complement any dish, whether it’s a snack or a main course. Pairing it with a glass of red or white wine would be perfect. I hope you have a delightful dinner party!