When afternoon cravings strike or company pops by for tea, nothing beats the irresistible simplicity of my Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe. These sandwiches are a delightful blend of creamy labneh, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumber all nestled between soft, crustless bread—each bite is bright, cool, and surprisingly luxurious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Fresh Flavors: Each sandwich bursts with herby, tangy labneh and cool, crisp cucumber—like a bite of summertime!
- Quick and Effortless: With just 15 minutes and simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack ready for any occasion.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These charming finger sandwiches look as elegant as they taste, making them a hit at showers, brunches, or high tea.
- Easily Customizable: Swap in your favorite herbs or adapt it for dietary needs—this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe is endlessly versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to make these sandwiches shine. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to add luscious creaminess, fresh color, or that craveable crunch that makes this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe truly special!
- Labneh: This creamy, tangy Middle Eastern strained yogurt is the magic that binds everything together—pick it up at the store or try homemade for an extra-rich touch.
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, dill, basil): Each herb brings unique aromatics and lively color, so don’t skimp—fresh is key for the best flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch amps up every taste; if you use table salt, cut back slightly due to its finer grain.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little drizzle melds everything in the spread and adds subtle richness.
- English Cucumber: Their thin skin and mild, crisp flesh make them ideal here; no peeling required!
- Soft Bread (crusts removed): Go for your favorite classic white or soft whole wheat for that unmistakable tea sandwich texture—super soft and oh-so nostalgic.
Variations
The best part about this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! Whether you’re customizing for taste preferences or dietary needs, a few creative tweaks transform this classic into your personal favorite.
- Go Vegan: Substitute the labneh for a trusted dairy-free yogurt cheese or whipped vegan cream cheese for equally luscious results.
- Switch Up the Herbs: Try mint, chives, or tarragon instead of the usual trio—herb-lovers will have a field day mixing and matching.
- Add a Crunchy Twist: Layer in thin slices of radish or bell pepper alongside the cucumber for added texture and a pop of color.
- Spice Things Up: Stir in a little za’atar, cracked black pepper, or a pinch of lemon zest to the labneh for delightful complexity.
How to Make Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Make the Herbed Labneh Spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine your labneh with that vibrant trio of parsley, dill, and basil. Sprinkle in a dash of kosher salt and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir well until you’ve got a creamy, fragrant spread flecked with green—don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt if needed!
Step 2: Prep the Bread and Cucumbers
Lay your bread slices on a cutting board and, if you haven’t already, gently remove the crusts for that classic, pillowy texture. Thinly slice half of an English cucumber—you want each round to be paper-thin for the perfect bite! Arranging them on a paper towel with a little sprinkle of salt helps draw out excess moisture and keeps your sandwiches bright and crisp.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Generously spread the herbed labneh over one side of each slice of bread. On half the slices, neatly layer the cucumber rounds so they overlap (this helps the flavors and textures meld). Gently press the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches, being careful not to press too hard so the filling stays fluffy.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
With a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into quarters—triangles look extra cute, but rectangles are deliciously traditional, too. Arrange your dainty Must-Try Cucumber Sandwiches on a pretty platter with a flourish of fresh dill or extra cucumber slices and serve to eager hands!
Pro Tips for Making Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
- Perfect Cucumber Slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for ultra-thin cucumber rounds—this keeps the sandwiches delicate and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
- Herb Mixing Secrets: Dry your herbs fully before chopping and don’t be afraid to use both leaves and tender stems for deeper flavor.
- Moisture Control: Let salted cucumber slices rest on paper towels for 15–20 minutes to wick away extra liquid, then pat dry for sandwiches that stay crisp longer.
- Choosing Bread: Soft, fresh sandwich bread makes all the difference—avoid stale bread which can crack when sliced or filled.
How to Serve Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your sandwiches with fresh sprigs of dill or a scattering of edible flowers for a lovely garden-party finish. A subtle swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a crack of black pepper over the platter is always welcome, especially when you want to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches are delightfully light, so pair them with Mediterranean antipasto, tiny tomato-feta bites, or a plate of buttery shortbread cookies. For a heartier spread, add a crisp green salad or vibrant fruit skewers on the side—perfect for brunches and teas alike!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe into whimsical shapes using cookie cutters for showers and parties, or serve them in a tiered platter alongside other petite bites for a charming English tea spread. Try rolling them up as pinwheels (just flatten the bread gently first) for a modern twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have a few sandwiches left, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well until the next day, though they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh to preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
Sadly, the texture of the Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe doesn’t hold up in the freezer—bread turns gummy and cucumbers become watery. For best results, make them fresh, but you can always prepare the herbed labneh in advance and freeze that separately if you like.
Reheating
No reheating required—these sandwiches are meant to be served cold for that refreshing effect. If they’ve been chilled, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the bread slightly.
FAQs
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Can I use Greek yogurt instead of labneh?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute if labneh isn’t available. For the thickest consistency, strain the yogurt through cheesecloth for a few hours before using—this will get you much closer to the rich, spreadable texture you want for these sandwiches.
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How do I prevent cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy?
The key is to salt and drain your cucumber slices ahead of time—just ten minutes on paper towels can make all the difference! Plus, spreading the labneh on both slices of bread creates a moisture barrier, helping keep everything crisp and fresh until serving.
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What’s the best bread to use for cucumber sandwiches?
Classic soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread is the gold standard—look for something fresh and fluffy, without seeds or too many holes. It should be sturdy enough to hold the filling but tender for easy, neat bites.
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Can I make the Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prep the labneh-herb spread and slice your cucumbers the night before. Assemble sandwiches up to 2 hours before serving, wrap them tightly, and store in the fridge until it’s party time—they’ll taste just as crisp and colorful as if made fresh!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to make this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe for your next gathering or a well-deserved midday treat. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist, perfect for sharing with people you love—or sneaking away to savor quietly with your favorite cup of tea!
Print
Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 finger sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe is a delightful and refreshing blend of creamy labneh, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumber slices sandwiched between soft bread slices. Perfect for a light snack or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Labneh Spread:
- 1 cup labneh, homemade or store-bought
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill
- 3 tablespoons chopped basil
- Kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
Sandwich:
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 slices soft bread, crust removed
Instructions
- Prepare Labneh Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine labneh, parsley, dill, basil, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread labneh mixture on bread slices. Layer cucumber slices on half of the slices and top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Cut and Serve: Cut sandwiches into quarters and garnish with dill. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Best cucumber choice: English cucumbers are recommended for this recipe.
- To prevent soggy sandwiches: Salt cucumber slices to release moisture before use.
- Serving size: Recipe yields 16 finger sandwiches.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge; labneh spread can be kept separately for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 finger sandwich
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
