Do you love a good tea sandwich? I do! I love their diminutive size, which only means you can eat more, right? ? Tea sandwiches are not only for high tea, but make a great appetizer for a mixer, cocktail party or holiday soiree. Today I am sharing some tea sandwich ideas and techniques, which are perfect for the entertaining season or anytime of year really.
The variety of tea sandwiches is really limitless. To me the quintessential tea sandwich is the cucumber sandwich. My mom made them frequently, and I make them for special occasions as well. Come on in as I share the cucumber tea sandwich recipe I use plus other tea sandwich ideas you can use throughout the entertaining year.
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Ideas for Tea Sandwiches
In the tiered tray below (from top to bottom) I served mini caprese sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, and egg salad sandwiches.
In the following tray I served smoked salmon sandwiches, cucumber tea sandwiches and Serrano ham with Manchego cheese sandwiches.
Cucumber Tea Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 Slices white bread
- 4 Tablespoons soften butter
- 1 large Cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 Teaspoon dill
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and deseed (if large) cucumber
- Finally slice or dice cucumber and allow to sit in a colander sprinkled with salt for 10 minutes
- Cut crusts off the bread slices
- Spread butter liberally on crustless bread slices
- Pat cucumber dry and mix with mayonnaise, dill and S&P to taste
- Spread cucumber mixture evenly on 2 bread slices and top with other 2 slices
- Cut sandwiches into quarters and arrange on platter
A good mandolin is a great tool to have for making pretty tea sandwiches.
When and How to Serve Tea Sandwiches
Of course tea sandwiches are the star of the show served during high tea, but can also be served for other occasions. I often serve them as finger foods when it’s a serve yourself type of occasion with a large spread. They are also a great option for a brunch setting, a bridal or baby shower, as well as a picnic.
Tea sandwiches during high tea are commonly served on tiered trays as above or pedestal plates are also a great option. They are also conveniently served on pass around trays, where guest can easily help themselves.
When there a few different varieties, including descriptions to assist guests is quite helpful. This also helps folks with nutritional considerations.
Tips on Making Tea Sandwiches
Just like the ingredients are varied, offering a wide assortment to choose from, I also like to create the sandwiches in different shapes.
There are triangles, rectangles, and squares which can easily be achieved with a sharp knife. I also like creating circular sandwiches, using these circle cutters. The sandwiches should be sized to be eaten in about two to 3 bites.
Bon appetite. I’ll be sharing recipes for additional varieties in subsequent posts.
“A sandwich is proof that great things can come in small packages.”
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