Savory Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Delightful and elegant finger sandwiches that are sure to impress your guests at any tea party, brunch, or luncheon. These Savory Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches combine the refreshing crunch of cucumber with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all enhanced by a hint of onion and a touch of heat from Tabasco. They're colorful, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, making them the first to disappear from the platter!
22
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 large (peeled, seeded, and minced)
Onion
1/4 medium (finely minced)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened (lite is fine))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce
3 dashes
Green food coloring
1 drop
Mayonnaise
to taste
Thin-sliced white bread
about 18 slices (store-bought)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumber and removing the seeds using a spoon.
2
Chop the cucumber into smaller pieces, then place it in a food processor. Pulse it about 5-6 times until finely minced. Alternatively, you can use a chopper for better control.
3
Transfer the minced cucumber to a small mixing bowl and set it aside.
4
Using the food processor or chopper, finely mince the onion. Add the minced onion to the cucumber in the bowl.
5
In the same bowl, add the softened cream cheese, salt, non-toxic green food coloring, and Tabasco sauce. Mix all ingredients well until evenly combined and creamy.
6
Using a biscuit cutter, cut out rounds from the slices of thin-sliced white bread.
7
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread round.
8
On half of the rounds, generously spread the cucumber cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges, then top with the other bread round, mayonnaise side down.
9
Optionally, you can garnish each sandwich with a sprig of parsley or your choice of herbs for a fresh touch.
10
Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters for easy serving. Arrange on a platter and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches?
They are elegant finger sandwiches that combine refreshing cucumber, rich cream cheese, savory onion, and a hint of Tabasco on thin white bread.
What occasions are these sandwiches best for?
These sandwiches are perfect for tea parties, brunches, luncheons, or any elegant social gathering.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 22 individual sandwiches.
What type of cucumber is required?
The recipe calls for one large cucumber that has been peeled, seeded, and minced.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the cucumber?
Yes, it is recommended to use a spoon to remove the seeds to maintain the correct consistency of the filling.
How should I mince the cucumber?
You can pulse the cucumber in a food processor 5 to 6 times or use a manual chopper for better control.
What is the purpose of adding onion?
A small amount of finely minced onion is added to provide a savory depth of flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
Can I use lite cream cheese?
Yes, lite cream cheese is a perfectly acceptable substitute for regular cream cheese in this recipe.
Why is green food coloring added?
One drop of non-toxic green food coloring is used to give the filling a vibrant and festive appearance.
Is the filling spicy?
The filling has a very mild touch of heat from three dashes of Tabasco sauce, which enhances the overall flavor without being overly spicy.
What kind of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
Thin-sliced white bread is the best choice for achieving the classic tea sandwich texture.
How many slices of bread will I need?
You will need approximately 18 slices of thin-sliced white bread.
How do I create the round shapes for the sandwiches?
Use a biscuit cutter to press out circles from the slices of white bread.
Why is mayonnaise applied to the bread?
A thin layer of mayonnaise acts as a barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy and adds a bit of moisture.
How is the filling applied during assembly?
Spread the cucumber cream cheese mixture generously to the very edges of half the bread rounds before topping them.
Can I garnish the sandwiches?
Yes, a sprig of fresh parsley or your favorite herbs makes a beautiful and fresh garnish.
How should the sandwiches be cut for serving?
They can be served as whole rounds or cut into halves or quarters for easier snacking.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures the mixture is smooth and easy to combine with the other ingredients.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The filling is seasoned with salt, Tabasco sauce, and the natural flavors of minced onion and cucumber.
How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
By seeding the cucumber and mincing it finely, you ensure the cream cheese holds its shape without extra moisture.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
While a food processor is fast, a manual chopper can also be used to mince the cucumber and onion effectively.
How much Tabasco sauce is used?
The recipe calls for exactly 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce.
How much salt is needed for the mixture?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the filling.
Can these be made ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but the mayo barrier helps them stay firm if prepared shortly before the event.
Are these sandwiches suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these are vegetarian-friendly finger sandwiches.
What makes these sandwiches colorful?
The combination of the green food coloring in the filling and the optional fresh herb garnish makes them visually appealing.
How much cream cheese is required?
One 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese is needed.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 of a medium onion, finely minced.
Can I use different types of bread?
While white bread is traditional, you could experiment with other thin-sliced varieties if preferred.
How should I arrange them for a party?
Arrange the cut sandwiches neatly on a large platter to highlight their colorful filling and elegant shapes.