Cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese are a refreshing and easy-to-make lunch or afternoon snack. These light bites combine crisp cucumber slices with smooth cream cheese on soft bread, perfect for warm days.
Cucumber sandwiches are a classic for a good reason. They’re quick to make with no cooking and only a couple of ingredients, and offer a balance of textures and flavors.
The cool, crunchy cucumber pairs well with the rich, creamy cheese spread. Chives add a mild onion flavor that complements both main ingredients.
Cucumber cream cheese sandwiches are great for an afternoon tea, a picnic, or as a light lunch.
Plus these sandwiches are a great way to use up extra cucumbers from your garden or farmer’s market!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and mild flavor. I use garden cucumbers, you can use English or Persian cucumber also.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture. It protects the bread from the moisture of the cucumber.
- Chives: Offer a subtle onion flavor without being overpowering.
- Bread: Soft white bread is most commonly used for cucumber sandwiches and the crust is usually cut off. I use a sturdier sourdough bread and leave the crust on.
Substitutions
- Chives: Use dill instead of chives for a different flavor profile. Cream cheese, dill, and cucumber all go really well together.
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to mix and spread.
Instructions
Prep Tips
I use a mandoline to cut the cucumber into thin, even slices. You can do it this way or with a knife – whatever suits you better. If using a mandoline, use the guard, they are very sharp!
- Slice the cucumbers.
- Mix the chives into the cream cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the cream cheese on both slices of bread.
- Add the cucumbers, close the sandwich, and serve.
Tips for making cucumber sandwiches
- A mandoline makes cutting the cucumber into thin even slices quick and easy! Use the guard for safety – a mandoline slicer is very sharp!
- Use your favorite bread. Toast it for a different vibe.
- Pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the sandwiches from becoming soggy.
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing. This makes it easier to spread evenly without tearing the bread.
- Cut the crusts off the bread for a delicate presentation, perfect for afternoon tea or baby and wedding showers.
What to serve with cucumber cream cheese sandwiches
Soup, salad, and sandwiches are a classic combo. Try serving your sandwiches with minestrone soup, kale chicken salad, or a creamy dill pickle pasta salad.
More Cucumber Recipes
Storage
Because of the water content in cucumbers (96%!), I like to make these sandwiches as needed. The cream cheese can be mixed ahead of time.
FAQs
To help prevent soggy cucumber sandwiches, salt your sliced cucumbers and let them sit 15-30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry before using. Additionally, spread the cream cheese to the edge of both slices of bread, which helps to protect the bread from any cucumber moisture.
Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese and Chives
Equipment
- mandoline optional
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread or 2 large *see notes
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 teaspoons chives sliced
- ⅓ cucumber sliced *see notes
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix the chives into the cream cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Slice the cucumber.
- Spread the cream cheese on both slices of bread.
- Add cucumber slices and close the sandwich. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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