Cucumber Sandwiches

The perfect finger food for your next afternoon tea. Refreshing, crunchy, and lighter than your usual Cucumber Sandwiches!

As a Brit, I think it’s in my DNA to crave tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off. There’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory arrangement you find at an afternoon tea spread, served with a steaming cup of tea and, if it’s the right vibe, maybe a few glasses of champagne, too!

But these sandwiches are a whole lot better. Gone is the high-calorie, high-fat cream cheese, and here to stay is the Greek yogurt, mixed with fresh herbs and seasonings to make a perfectly creamy sauce to hold the sandwiches together.

Get your tiny cakes and china teacups ready, because we’re doing hotel-quality afternoon tea in the comfort of your own home!

Are Cucumber Sandwiches Healthy?

These are not your typical cucumber sandwiches! The usual cream cheese is swapped for Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat, lower in calories, and higher in protein. Classic white bread is swapped for whole grain bread, which provides extra fiber that can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

If you’re making these sandwiches for your vegan friends or family, just replace the Greek yogurt with your favorite dairy-free alternative, or even hummus! You can also make this recipe gluten-free by trading the whole wheat bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf.

What is afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea, a beloved British custom, was first introduced in the early 19th century by Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford.

Around 1840, the Duchess found herself experiencing a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon due to the long gap between lunch and an increasingly late dinner. To bridge this hunger gap, she began requesting a small assortment of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her rooms. This activity became so enjoyable that the Duchess started inviting friends to join her, and afternoon tea soon blossomed into a fashionable social event.

The tradition evolved into an elegant, multi-course affair, featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of sweet pastries alongside quality teas.

Today, afternoon tea continues as both a nostalgic nod to Britain’s past and a cherished experience shared between family and friends, enjoyed at tearooms, high-end hotels, and homes alike.

Serving Suggestions

I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited to be able to suggest my perfect FFF-themed afternoon tea spread!

Let’s start with the tea. Any will do, but traditional choices include Earl Grey, Assam, Darjeeling, and of course, English Breakfast.

The savory section is always my favorite part, and alongside these tiny sammies, you can also serve up some smoked salmon sandwiches, Egg Salad sandwiches, and coronation chicken sandwiches.

For the sweet treats, these Scones With Blueberries are delightful with some clotted cream and Strawberry Jam, but don’t you dare cut them into triangles – strictly “biscuit” shaped, please.

Other desserts can include slices of your favorite cake like this Valentine’s Day Cake or this Lemon Cake, miniature tarts like this Neapolitan Chocolate Tart or this Chocolate and Pistachio Tart, eclairs, and a plate of shortbread biscuits.

Recipe