Name: Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened slightly; 2 Tbsp mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives; 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley; 2 Tbsp minced fresh dill; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced; 8 to 10 slices fresh sandwich bread (wheat, white, or multigrain)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightfully fresh and elegant snack that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy, this Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. Imagine crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers layered atop a luxuriantly whipped, herbed cream cheese spread, all embraced by soft, fresh bread. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors that feel light yet satisfyingly indulgent. Whether you’re planning an afternoon tea, a light lunch, or simply a charming appetizer to impress guests, this recipe delivers timeless charm and irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a mixture with several visible layers: white creamy base spread unevenly on the bottom and sides, topped with small piles of finely chopped bright green herbs on the right and bottom, a small mound of pale yellow lemon zest near the center, and a scattering of black pepper and green dill sprigs on the left side. A black spatula rests inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh ingredients. Each component is essential, playing a unique role in texture, flavor, and color — making your cucumber sandwiches not just delicious but visually inviting as well.

Cream cheese (8 oz., softened slightly): Provides a rich, creamy base that whips up fluffy and smooth for easy spreading.
Mayonnaise (2 Tbsp): Adds a silky, subtle tang that balances the cream cheese perfectly without overpowering the herbs.
Fresh chives (2 Tbsp, minced): Offers a gentle onion-like freshness that brightens every bite.
Fresh parsley (2 Tbsp, minced): Brings an herbaceous earthiness that complements the other greens beautifully.
Fresh dill (2 Tbsp, minced): Infuses a delicate, slightly sweet herbal note that’s classic with cucumbers.
Lemon zest (2 tsp): Adds vibrant citrus oils that awaken the palate with brightness and fragrance.
Lemon juice (1 tsp): Gives just the right acidic lift to keep the cream cheese mixture light and lively.
Garlic (1/2 tsp, finely minced): A whisper of savory depth that rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the ingredients without stealing the show.
English cucumber (1, thinly sliced): Crunchy and refreshing slices that are the star vegetable of this sandwich.
Fresh sandwich bread (8 to 10 slices): Choose your favorite wheat, white, or multigrain to soak up the cream cheese and provide a soft, tender bite.

How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by placing the softened cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, whip it on medium-high speed until the texture becomes beautifully fluffy, usually around two minutes. This step is crucial because it transforms the cream cheese into a light, spreadable consistency that will make every sandwich feel like a treat.

Step 2: Fold in Your Fresh Herbs and Flavorings

Once your cream cheese is whipped, gently fold in the mayonnaise, minced chives, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mixing these ingredients carefully ensures you keep the cream cheese airy while evenly distributing all those vibrant, herbaceous, and tangy flavors that make this recipe shine.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto one side of each bread slice. Then, pile on plenty of thin cucumber slices on top of four of the bread slices. Carefully top each with another slice of bread, cream cheese side facing down, to create perfect little sandwiches. This layering locks in freshness and gives every bite a delicate crunch balanced by creamy softness.

Step 4: Finishing Touches and Cutting

Press down slightly on the assembled sandwiches to help them hold together nicely. If you prefer, trim off the crust edges for a refined, classic presentation. Then cut each sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on your serving needs or how dainty you want your bites to be. Serve immediately for the freshest experience.

How to Serve Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

This image shows a white plate with three small square sandwiches stacked on it. Two sandwiches have white bread with a light, fluffy texture, and one sandwich has brown bread with a soft, fine crumb. Each sandwich has two main layers: a thin spread of white cream with green herbs mixed in, and a layer of sliced green cucumbers stacked neatly in the middle. The plate sits on a folded dark purple cloth on top of a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another white plate with two more sandwiches, one with brown bread and one with white bread, both with the same filling. A glass cup of dark amber tea sits near the plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes brings visual appeal and an extra flair of flavor to your cucumber sandwiches. Consider sprinkling a few flakes of fresh dill or a small wedge of lemon on the side. A light dusting of paprika or a tiny sprig of parsley can also add color and sophistication, making your plate look as wonderful as your guests will find the taste.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair beautifully with light and fresh sides. Think crisp garden salads, a bowl of chilled gazpacho, or a handful of delicate olives. If you’re setting up for tea, scones or a fruit salad complement this dish perfectly, balancing creaminess and freshness with a bit of sweetness or crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange the cucumber sandwiches on a tiered serving tray, alternating the shapes and sizes of your cuts for visual interest. You might also serve them on a bed of edible flowers or fresh greens for that extra wow factor. If you’re feeling playful, stack mini sandwiches with colorful toothpicks to make them easy to grab at parties or buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cucumber sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep the bread from drying out and prevent the cucumbers from making the bread soggy. Refrigerate them promptly and consume within one day for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing cucumber sandwiches is generally not recommended because cucumbers release water and bread tends to get soggy upon thawing. The fresh, crisp qualities that make this recipe so delightful are best enjoyed freshly made.

Reheating

Since these sandwiches are cold and meant to be enjoyed fresh, reheating is not advisable. Instead, serve them chilled or at room temperature to keep that lovely balance of crunch and creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light?

Absolutely! Regular mayonnaise will give your cream cheese mixture a slightly richer flavor while still blending beautifully with the herbs. Choose based on your preference without compromising the deliciousness.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

English sandwich bread is classic for this dish due to its soft texture and neutral taste. However, wheat, white, or multigrain breads all work well too, depending on your flavor preference and presentation style.

Can I add other herbs to the cream cheese mixture?

Definitely! While chives, parsley, and dill create a lovely trio, feel free to experiment with basil, tarragon, or mint to tailor the flavor to your liking.

How thin should the cucumber slices be?

Thin slices, around 1/8 inch, are ideal because they provide a refreshing crunch without overwhelming the softness of the cream cheese and bread.

Is this sandwich suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians, using fresh herbs, veggies, and dairy without any meat or fish products.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the simplicity and elegance of cucumber sandwiches, especially when elevated by the luscious herbed cream cheese in this Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring garden-fresh flavors into a classic presentation that feels effortless yet sophisticated. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a refreshing, delightful bite that’s both timeless and totally satisfying.

Cucumber Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need