Crunchy Cucumbers And Cheesy Companions: Perfect Pairings

Cucumbers are a refreshing summertime staple, and when it comes to elegant lunches, cucumber sandwiches are a classic. But what kind of cheese goes well with this cool, crisp vegetable? The answer is cream cheese!

Cream cheese and cucumbers are a match made in heaven, especially when paired with fresh herbs such as dill, chives, or mint. This combination is often served at afternoon tea parties, baby showers, and bridal showers, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it's also simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

To elevate your cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, consider adding a few additional ingredients. Some people like to mix cream cheese with mayonnaise, butter, or yogurt to create a creamy spread. Others might add fresh herbs, garlic powder, lemon juice, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

So, if you're looking for a classy and tasty treat, why not try making some cucumber cream cheese sandwiches? They're sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh herbs (such as dill and chives)
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cucumbers (preferably English cucumbers)
• Bread (white bread with crusts removed is traditional, but any bread can be used)

Optional Ingredients:

• Butter
• Green onions
• Celery salt
• Leafy greens (such as butter lettuce)
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

• Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, herbs, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl until smooth.
• Thinly slice the cucumbers. If using a veggie peeler or mandolin, you can create super thin slices.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture onto one side of each piece of bread. Be sure to spread it to the edges to create a moisture barrier and prevent soggy bread.
• Layer the cucumber slices over half of the bread slices.
• If desired, add a layer of leafy greens, such as butter lettuce, for added flavour and texture.
• Top with the remaining bread slices.
• Cut off the crusts, if desired, and cut each sandwich into desired sizes (rectangles, triangles, or halves).
• Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Tips:

• If preparing ahead of time, place the sandwiches on a sheet pan and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
• To make the sandwiches extra special, add butter to the cream cheese mixture and whip all three ingredients (cream cheese, butter, and mayonnaise) together until light and fluffy.
• If you like your sandwiches with a bit of a kick, add some green onions and celery salt to the cream cheese mixture.
• For added flavour and colour, leave the cucumber peel on.
• If you're short on time, use flavoured cream cheese, such as herb and garlic, or a store-bought spread like ranch dressing.

How to prepare cucumbers for sandwiches

Cucumbers are a refreshing addition to sandwiches, especially when paired with cheese. Here's a guide on how to prepare cucumbers for sandwiches:

Choosing the Right Cucumbers

Select cucumbers that are fresh, crisp, and free from soft spots or wrinkles. English cucumbers, also known as hothouse cucumbers, are ideal for sandwiches because they have thin skin and are less watery. If you can't find English cucumbers, regular garden cucumbers can be used, but be sure to peel them to remove the waxy skin.

Slicing the Cucumbers

Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife, a vegetable peeler, or a mandoline slicer. Aim for slices that are as thin as possible, preferably paper-thin. If using a mandoline, be careful of your fingers! You can slice the cucumbers into rounds or lengthwise into strips, depending on your preference.

Salting the Cucumbers (Optional)

To reduce the moisture content and prevent sogginess, you can optionally salt the cucumber slices. Lay the slices on a tray lined with paper towels, sprinkle them with a small amount of salt, and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture. After salting, pat the cucumber slices dry with additional paper towels.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Now it's time to assemble your sandwiches! Choose a soft white bread, such as sandwich bread or brioche, and spread your chosen cheese on the bread. You can use cream cheese, labneh (a tangy yogurt cheese), or a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and butter. Be sure to spread the cheese generously, creating a barrier that will protect the bread from becoming soggy.

Next, layer the cucumber slices on top of the cheese. If using very thin slices, you can create multiple layers. Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs such as dill, chives, or basil for extra flavour. Finally, top with another slice of bread and cut off the crusts if desired.

Serving and Storing

Cucumber sandwiches are best served fresh and can be cut into rectangles, triangles, or quarters. If you need to prepare them in advance, place them on a tray with a damp paper towel and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the longer they sit, the higher the risk of sogginess.

Bread options for cucumber sandwiches

When it comes to bread options for cucumber sandwiches, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the bread should be soft to contrast the crunchy texture of the cucumbers. White bread is a popular choice as it is subtle in flavour and won't overpower the other ingredients. Specifically, Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White bread is recommended. However, if you're looking for something with more health benefits, brown or wholegrain bread is also an option.

If you're serving cucumber sandwiches at a party, you might want to opt for crustless bread, as it gives the sandwiches a more elegant, uniform look. Crustless bread also makes it easier to cut the sandwiches into small, bite-sized portions.

For a more substantial cucumber sandwich, you could use a croissant as your bread base. This would be ideal if you're serving the sandwiches as part of a brunch menu.

While soft, thinly-sliced white bread is the traditional choice, you can use any bread you like for cucumber sandwiches. Pumpernickel bread is a suggested alternative, as is any type of gluten-free bread for those who are gluten intolerant.

Herbs and spices to add to cucumber sandwiches

Herbs and spices are essential to adding flavour to cucumber sandwiches. While the cucumber itself is refreshing, herbs and spices can add a savoury or tangy twist to the sandwich.

Dill is a popular herb to add to cucumber sandwiches. It can be added fresh, dried, or in the form of dill pickle juice. Fresh dill is often paired with garlic and onion to make a savoury herbed cream cheese. Parsley and chervil are also mentioned as good additions to a dill-based cream cheese.

Chives are another herb that can be added fresh to a sandwich with cream cheese and cucumbers. Chives can also be added to a combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise.

Mint is a suitable alternative to dill or chives.

Garlic powder is another spice that can be added to cream cheese to make a savoury spread for cucumber sandwiches.

For a tangy twist, lemon zest and lemon juice can be added to the cream cheese mixture.

Other herbs that can be added to cucumber sandwiches include oregano, basil, tarragon, parsley, and cilantro.

The history of cucumber sandwiches

Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India, and they are mentioned in the Bible. In the 1300s, cucumbers made their way to Britain, and during the Victorian era (1837-1901), someone decided to put them in a sandwich and serve them at tea time.

Cucumber sandwiches can actually be traced back to 1870, when British settlers in India were trying to find a way to cope with the heat. Then, the sandwiches travelled back to England and became popular during Queen Victoria's reign. They were served at the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 1887, and were referenced in Oscar Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest', as a "reckless extravagance".

The allure of the cucumber sandwich for the Victorian elite was partly due to its nutritional value, or lack thereof. The light and insubstantial nature of the sandwiches signalled that the upper classes didn't need high-value, nutritious food like labourers. The cucumber sandwich's refreshing taste also made it perfect for the hot Indian climate.

Today, there are many ways to make cucumber sandwiches. The British traditionally serve them with thin slices of bread, butter, cucumber, lemon juice, and salt, with the crusts removed and cut into triangles. Americans often use cream cheese instead of butter, and sometimes add mayonnaise, dill, or a blend of cream cheese, cucumber and onion called Benedictine.

Frequently asked questions