Mini cucumber sandwiches are an easy appetizer perfect for picnics, parties or family gatherings. To make these refreshing bites you only need bread, cucumbers and tasty cream cheese mixture.
This truly is an easy appetizer, especially when you don’t have much time on hands.
Other quick appetizers worth trying:
- Pear and goat cheese crostini
- Parmesan asparagus pastry twists
- Bacon wrapped dates
- Pan fried chickpeas
They are ready in under 30 minutes.
What is a cucumber sandwich made of?
Originally, slices of cucumber were placed between 2 slices of buttered bread (crust removed). These days, there are many tasty options to make this cucumber appetizer and many of them include cream cheese.
And there is no wonder. It goes so well with cucumbers! Smoked salmon cucumber bites are a great example of that.
But let’s talk more about these finger sandwiches.
How to make cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese
Cucumber:
First, I cut it into chunks that are similar in size (in length) as the width of the bread I am using. Then I cut each chunk into thicker slices (length-wise).
Cream cheese mixture:
All you have to do is combine cream cheese, mayo, mustard, pepper, dillweed and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth. When ready, you can do the assembling.
Assembling:
To make 9 mini cucumber sandwiches you need 3 slices of bread. Spread them with cream cheese mixture (the middle slice should have spread on both sides). I always use more cream cheese on the bottom slice, but you don’t have to.
Cut into thirds, turn and cut again into thirds. Secure with toothpicks and you are done!
How do you keep cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy?
Cucumber consists of water mainly so when sliced it will release its juices. This means that it can make your sandwich soggy, that is why they are best enjoyed right away.
You can make them a few hours ahead though. This is how:
The best way is to slice the cucumber into long slices and sprinkle with salt. After about 10 minutes just pat them dry with paper kitchen towels. This will definitely help.
Cream cheese spread also acts as a “wall” between the cucumber and bread which means it kind of protects the bread from turning soggy.
Expert tips
- I used crustless white bread but you can also use any sandwich bread (e.g. wholemeal) as long as you cut off the crust.
- Either dried or fresh dill weed can be used. Fresh chives are another delicious alternative!
- If you don’t like mustard, feel free to omit it.
- Use a large Chef’s knife to cut the bread into 9 mini cucumber sandwiches and make a quick cut right through the bread. This is the easiest way to cut. Don’t go slowly. I also don’t recommend using a serrated knife (e.g. bread knife).
- Don’t cut the cucumber very thin. If you do, you won’t taste much of it in between 3 slices of bread.
- These can also be made using only 2 slices of bread per mini cucumber sandwich.
Mini Cucumber Sandwiches
Mini cucumber sandwiches are an easy appetizer perfect for picnics, parties or family gatherings. To make these refreshing bites you only need bread, cucumbers and tasty cream cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- salt
- ½ cup cream cheese (110 grams)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (55 grams)
- ½ teaspoon dried dillweed
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Pinch of black pepper
- 6 slices sandwich bread, crust removed
Instructions
- Cut the tops of the cucumber off and peel its skin (optional). Now cut off a chunk that is as long as the width of your bread. Slice it. Repeat again with another chunk of cucumber.
- Place them onto sheets of paper kitchen towel and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
- Meanwhile: Prepare the spread by combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, dillweed, soy sauce, mustard and black pepper (see note 1).
- With paper kitchen towels remove the moisture that the salt drew out of the cucumber by patting them dry.
- Spread 3 bread slices with cream cheese mixture. Arrange cucumber slices on top of one of the slices and cover with another slice (the spread-side down). Spread the top of this slice with some more cream cheese. Cover with cucumber slices and top with bread, spread-side down.
- Cut this into 9 pieces (see note 4), insert toothpicks and repeat with the other 3 slices.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- This step can be easily done with a spoon, but you can also use an electric whisk, if preferred.
- Mustard can be omitted completely.
- These sandwiches are best served right away or within 2-3 hours (note that this time can vary, depending on various factors) as the longer they sit the soggier they get.
- Use a Chef’s knife to cut them. A bread knife (or any knife with a serrated blade) does not work well here. The easiest way to cut is to make a quick cut right through, almost like a push through the bread down to the bottom.
- For more information and tips, please have a look at the whole post.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
18Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 134mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Rachael says
Hi there - these look delicious! What kind of mustard do you recommend? Brown? Thank you!
Julia | Appetizer Addiction says
Hi Rachael. I use what I have on hand. I would say go with the kind you like. Here I believe I used French mustard but if you prefer brown or Dijon, go ahead and use that. Hope this helps!
Erica says
I make mine with Tzatziki spread but love how you did yours, so im going to combine it with the cream cheese and see how that works out! Where do you find crustless bread??? That would make things so much easier!
Julia | Appetizer Addiction says
Hi Erica. I love the idea of using tzatziki spread! I am afraid I won't be much of a help with the crustless bread. I am now based in Spain and they sell it in every grocery store. I thought they sell it everywhere now...
Caroline says
Such an English high tea classic, very cute made in to little stacks like this!
Julia says
Thanks, Caroline!
Meghna says
I am already hungry looking at your delicious pictures 🙂 They look so cute & adorable.
Julia says
Thanks! 🙂
Sophia says
I love party sandwiches! These are some of my favorites. The addition of dill really pairs well with the cucumber and cream cheese. Delicious!
Julia says
Thank you, Sophia.
Lisa says
I love to make cucumber sandwiches for parties, but I never thought to use the cream cheese as a barrier to the bread to prevent them from getting soggy! Great idea! I'll be trying your recipe soon!
Julia says
Good to hear that, Lisa!
Jill says
Usually I make these open-faced, but I like the look of yours! I've never added soy sauce before - but that makes sense. I will try it!
Julia says
Let me know what you think when you do!