This Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe takes the classic tea-time favorite to a whole new level with a rich herbed labneh spread, crunchy English cucumbers, and pillowy-soft bread. It’s so delightfully fresh, creamy, and vibrant that every bite instantly transports you to a breezy garden party—whether you’re serving an afternoon snack or prepping a sunny-day brunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Freshness: Each bite bursts with crisp cucumber and fresh herbs for a sandwich that tastes undeniably bright and lively.
- Easy, Elegant, and Foolproof: This Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe is so simple to prepare, yet makes any snack, brunch, or party feel special with its attention to detail.
- Creamy Herbed Labneh Upgrade: Swapping the usual cream cheese for tangy labneh adds richness and dimension you’ll crave again and again.
- Versatile Crowd-pleaser: Perfect as teatime finger food, a healthy snack, or a sophisticated brunch centerpiece—everyone loves it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe, but every one is essential. They work together beautifully to create that perfect contrast of creamy, herby, and crisp in every heavenly bite.
- Labneh (1 cup): This luscious Middle Eastern yogurt cheese brings tang and creaminess, making every bite irresistible—store-bought or homemade both work wonders.
- Fresh Parsley (3 tablespoons, finely chopped): Adds a pop of green and an earthy herbal note that brightens the labneh.
- Fresh Dill (3 tablespoons, finely chopped): Offers the classic cucumber-dill combination—don’t skip it for that summery taste!
- Fresh Basil (3 tablespoons, chopped): Slightly sweet and peppery, basil brings fresh aroma and flavor to the spread.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt sharpens all the flavors and helps cucumbers stay crisp.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a drizzle adds silky richness to the herbed labneh.
- English Cucumber (½, thinly sliced): Choose English for their delicate skin, seedless centers, and satisfying crunch.
- Soft Bread (8 slices, crusts removed): The softer and fluffier, the better—white sandwich bread is traditional, but soft whole wheat works too.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to personalize this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe—small tweaks make it your own. Whether you’re swapping in a favorite herb, changing the bread, or going dairy-free, it’s so easy to adapt for your cravings and needs!
- Switch up the herbs: Try chives, mint, or tarragon for a completely different herbal twist.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese or a savory cashew spread in place of labneh for delicious vegan cucumber sandwiches.
- Add a pop of zest: Mix in a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest into your labneh for a bright citrusy note.
- Go grainy: Swap classic white bread for soft whole wheat, oat, or even pumpernickel slices for a nuttier flavor.
- Add extra crunch: Thinly sliced radishes or microgreens layer in extra color and texture.
How to Make Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Make the Herbed Labneh Spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine your creamy labneh with all those beautiful chopped herbs—the parsley, dill, and basil—and a dash of kosher salt. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and gently fold everything together until it’s green-flecked, fragrant, and utterly luscious. This becomes the flavorful foundation of the Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe!
Step 2: Prep the Cucumber Slices
For perfectly crisp tea sandwiches, lay your thin English cucumber slices out on a tray lined with paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture so your sandwiches don’t go soggy—pat them dry before assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Arrange the crustless bread slices on a clean surface. Generously spread one side of each slice with your gorgeous herbed labneh. Layer cucumber slices over half the bread, letting them overlap for maximum crunch. Top with the remaining slices—spread side down—to form the sandwiches.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
With a gentle hand, press each sandwich slightly and cut into quarters—either neat little rectangles or dainty triangles. Arrange on your prettiest serving platter, garnish with extra dill or leftover cucumber, and get ready for delighted smiles when you serve this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe!
Pro Tips for Making Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
- Cucumber Moisture Control: Always salt and rest your cucumber slices (then pat dry) to keep the bread from getting soggy—this one step guarantees crisp, picture-perfect sandwiches every time.
- Herb Chopping Magic: Finely chop your herbs for the labneh spread so every bite delivers vibrant, even flavor instead of big leafy bites.
- Bread Selection: Opt for soft, fresh sandwich bread and remove the crusts just before assembling to help your sandwiches hold their delicate shape and bite.
- Slice Like a Pro: Use a sharp serrated knife to neatly cut sandwiches—wipe the blade between slices for super clean edges, perfect for serving at gatherings.
How to Serve Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh dill or parsley on your platter instantly makes your Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe look extra inviting. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of pepper for beautiful contrast and a pop of flavor. A few leftover cucumber rounds, scattered artfully around the plate, finish the look with effortless flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your cucumber sandwiches with other elegant nibbles: cherry tomato and feta skewers, buttery shortbread cookies, or a light green salad with a lemony dressing. A bright fruit platter or a bowl of marinated olives also rounds out a teatime spread or brunch board beautifully. And of course, don’t forget a fresh pot of tea or sparkling lemonade!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, use cookie cutters to make heart or floral-shaped sandwiches—the ultimate party treat for showers or birthdays. Arrange your triangles in a ring or fan out on a three-tiered stand for an afternoon tea look. Even single-serve bento boxes work; just tuck sandwiches in with berries, small veggies, and a little ramekin of extra labneh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep sandwiches fresh, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for about a day in the refrigerator, though they’re best enjoyed as soon as possible for the ultimate crispness and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for cucumber sandwiches, as the fresh cucumbers and labneh spread lose their texture and creaminess after thawing. For best results, always assemble just before serving and, if needed, refrigerate briefly instead of freezing.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilly or at room temperature—no reheating required! If stored, simply remove the sandwiches from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors shine and the bread soften slightly.
FAQs
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Can I make this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the herbed labneh and slice the cucumbers a few hours ahead, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches right before serving. If you need to make them slightly ahead, store tightly wrapped in the fridge and serve within a day to avoid sogginess.
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What if I can’t find labneh?
If labneh isn’t available, you can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt (strain it in cheesecloth for an hour) or a good-quality cream cheese. The flavor will change slightly, but the Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe will still be delicious!
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What’s the best bread for cucumber sandwiches?
Classic white sandwich bread works beautifully for its pillowy, soft texture. For a nutritious or rustic twist, try whole wheat or oat bread, but always choose something soft and fresh so it’s easy to cut and eat.
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How do I avoid soggy cucumber sandwiches?
Salt and rest the cucumber slices, then pat them dry—this is the single best trick for keeping the bread from absorbing too much moisture in the Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a classic with a twist that always gets rave reviews, you can’t go wrong with this Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe. It’s fresh, easy, and so utterly crave-worthy! Set out a tray, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy every delicious bite—you’ll quickly see why this is a recipe to make and share again and again.
Print
Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 finger sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Must-Try Cucumber Sandwich Recipe is a refreshing and elegant choice for a light lunch or afternoon snack. Creamy labneh mixed with fresh herbs, paired with crisp cucumber slices, all layered between soft bread slices, make these sandwiches a delightful treat.
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
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 slices soft bread, crust removed
Instructions
- Prepare Labneh Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine the labneh, chopped fresh herbs, and a dash of kosher salt. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange the bread slices on a large cutting board and spread one side of each slice with a generous spoonful of labneh. Arrange the cucumber slices on half of the bread slices, overlapping them. Top with the other slice of bread to create sandwiches.
- Cut and Serve: Press down gently and cut each sandwich into quarters. Arrange on a plate and garnish with dill. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Best Cucumber Choice: Opt for English cucumbers for their seedless nature and thin skin, which does not require peeling.
- Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent soggy sandwiches, salt the cucumber slices on paper towels for 20 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Serving Size and Storage: This recipe yields 16 finger sandwiches, serving up to 8 people. Leftovers can be refrigerated for one day. Labneh spread stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 finger sandwich
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
