Cucumber Sandwiches

You may know cucumber sandwiches from bridal teas and baby showers, but we'll be the first to say they are worthy of so much more. In fact, when the temperatures begin to warm and our attention turns to eating the fresh fruits and vegetables cropping up at the farmers' markets, cucumber sandwiches are among the first things that reach our plates.

Here, we present our classic cucumber sandwich recipe, which is made with cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh dill, and fresh chives. We also have two variations for the creamy spread when you crave the refreshing nature of a cucumber sandwich but want something a little different. Keep scrolling for recipes for a Whipped Feta and Mint spread, as well as a Roasted Pepper Spread.

Learn how to make cucumber sandwiches, and you'll have lunches planner for the entire summer.

Ingredients for Cucumber Sandwiches

• English cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for cucumber sandwiches. They have smaller, softer seeds (if any at all), and the skin is thinner and easier to bite through. You don't have to peel them, but you can if you prefer. If you use another type of cucumber, you might want to peel them; the skin may be tough to chew.
• Salt: Salt helps draw out excess moisture from cucumbers to make them less watery, ensuring that the final sandwich doesn’t end up soggy.
  
• Cream cheese: Plain cream cheese is great since you'll be adding some herbs and seasonings to it, but you could also use a flavored cream cheese and fix it up a bit more.
• Mayonnaise: Thins the cream cheese to make it a bit more spreadable.
• Grated lemon zest: Adds citrus zing and makes the cucumbers taste brighter.
• Chopped fresh dill: A classic herb for cucumber sandwiches. Fresh dill has a better flavor in our opinion, but dried can work, too.
• Chopped chives: Adds a mild onion-like flavor to the spread. You can use scallions if you can't find chives.
• White bread slices: White bread is classic for cucumber sandwiches, but you could use any bread you like, including rye, whole-wheat, or pumpernickel.
  

How To Make Cucumber Sandwiches

Whether you're making these for a luncheon, picnic, or just your afternoon snack, these sandwiches come together in just minutes. Here's a brief outline of the process:

• Step 1. Salt cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers draws out water. That will help prevent moisture from seeping out of the cucumbers and into the bread, creating a soggy mess. To squeeze out as much water as possible, salt the cucumber slices, then place them on a clean cloth towel. Roll the slices into the towel, and let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the sandwich ingredients.
• Step 2. Make spread: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon zest until smooth. Then fold in the dill and chives.
• Step 3. Assemble sandwiches: Spread some of the cream cheese mixture on each side of all eight slices of bread. Divide cucumber slices among four of the bread slices, and top with the second slice of bread. If desired, cut off the crusts, and cut the sandwiches into triangles or rectangles. Serve right away, or refrigerate up to four hours.

What To Serve With Cucumber Sandwiches

If you're eating these cucumber sandwiches as a lunch, they'd be great with pasta salad, Tomato-Mozzarella Salad, or Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. If you're serving these at a luncheon or shower, other favorites to not overlook include Sausage Balls, Easy Individual Peach Pies, or Pimiento Cheese and crudités.

Can You Make Cucumber Sandwiches the Night Before?

Yes, you can make cucumber sandwiches the night before, but we do not recommend it. This gives the cucumbers a lot of time to release moisture and make the bread soggy. Once made, we suggest serving the sandwiches right away, or at longest, refrigerating up to four hours.

If you need to get ahead, make the cream cheese spread up to 24 hours before, and let it soften for about 30 minutes before assembling the sandwiches just before serving.

How Do You Stop Soggy Cucumber Sandwiches?

Soggy cucumbers sandwiches are likely the result of wet cucumbers. To avoid this, we suggest salting the cucumbers and soaking up as much liquid as possible before putting the slices on a sandwich.

Additionally, make sure each slice of bread is coated, edge to edge, with the cream cheese mixture. It will act as a barrier against any moisture that might remain in the cucumber slices.