What to Serve with Tea Sandwiches - Best Pairings

01/09/2023 by Living the Gourmet 25 Comments

^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Elevate your gatherings with a touch of grace and a burst of flavor perfect for your next tea party. Introducing our enchanting tea sandwich recipe for Delicate Cucumber and Onion Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Chive Spread, a great choice for traditional English tea sandwiches. Combining crisp cucumber slices, a creamy chive and cheese spread, with vine-ripe tomatoes and red onion, these mini sandwiches are as much a visual delight as they are a treat for the palate.

In a world bustling with complexity, there's an undeniable allure to savoring life's most delicate moments. Picture a sun-kissed garden, the soft rustle of leaves, and the clinking of teacups – a scene that calls for these exquisite sandwiches. Whether it's a charming afternoon tea with friends, a leisurely garden picnic, or a celebration that craves a dash of refinement, these dainty sandwiches rise to the occasion. These traditional tea sandwiches embody that very essence – their petite size, delicate layers, and captivating flavors make them a natural centerpiece for any occasion that deserves a touch of sophistication. Whether for a bridal shower, baby shower, business luncheon, or simply a traditional high tea, these sandwiches provide great options for putting together a sophisticated meal.

But what truly sets these dainty creations apart is the creamy chive spread – a delicious mixture that transforms each bite into an explosion of herbal freshness. It's the secret ingredient that takes these sandwiches from delightful to absolutely divine.

However, no tea time is complete with the perfect tea, and that’s where our long-time friends over at Mark T. Wendell come in. Mark T. Wendell’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship ensures that you’ll be enjoying the most delicious cup of tea alongside these dainty cucumber sandwiches. With their commitment to sourcing the finest teas and creating blends that delight the senses, they have earned a reputation for excellence in the world of tea. Their Blackberry Black Tea is a testament to their dedication, capturing the essence of natural blackberries and China black tea, and infusing it into every cup.

Stay with us as we unveil the secrets of these small bites. Read on for pairing suggestions, an ingredient checklist, and variation ideas.

Why You’ll Love these Sandwiches

Elegance on a Plate: These tea sandwiches embody elegance with their dainty appearance, making them a perfect addition to any tea party, brunch, or elegant gathering.
Delightful Flavor Harmony: The combination of crisp cucumber, delicate red onion, and creamy chive spread creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that delight the palate.
Simple Sophistication: Despite their sophisticated presentation, these sandwiches are incredibly easy to assemble, making them accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe offers the flexibility to customize – from switching out onion types to getting creative with the cheese spread – allowing you to cater to individual preferences.
Creamy Chive Spread: The creamy chive spread introduces a burst of herbal freshness and a creamy texture that elevates the entire sandwich experience, making each bite truly delightful.

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

English cucumber, sliced very thin
- Note: Opt for an English cucumbers for their tender skin and minimal seeds.
- Tip: While I prefer to slice by hand, consider using a mandoline to achieve uniform slices.
Red onion, sliced very thin
- Substitution: We’re using red onion because this is generally the go-to variety of onion for raw recipes due to its delightful color and mild taste, which is slightly sweet, but with less oniony bite than white or yellow onions.
- Tip: Soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharpness.
- Note: You want very thin slices of onion.
Vine ripe tomato, sliced very thin (optional)
- Note: Adding tomatoes introduces a refreshing twist and a nice pop of red color; choose ripe and firm tomatoes.
- Tip: Pat the tomato slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
8 ounces cream cheese
- Tip: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier spreading.
2 tablespoons whole milk
- Note: Whole milk ensures a creamy texture, but you can use other milk options if preferred. You can also opt for heavy cream for maximal creaminess.
Pinch of Salt, to taste
- Tip: Taste the creamy chive spread before adding salt, as some cream cheeses can be very heavily salted. Tasting as you go is always a good idea.
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Note: Use freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, I would suggest grinding fresh peppercorns in a mortar and pestle for maximum flavor and aroma. Yes, it really does make a difference.
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- Substitution: Replace chives with finely chopped fresh dill or parsley for alternative herbal notes, or combine all three.
- Tip: Reserve some chives for garnish.
Sliced bread (your choice of sliced bread)
- Note: Opt for thin, soft bread slices without overly thick crusts for delicate tea sandwiches. Also, opt for a thinner slice of bread, as opposed to thick sliced.
- Tip: For best results, use a sharp knife to slice off the crust and serve crustless tea sandwiches.
Mark T. Wendell Blackberry Black Tea
- Note: This exquisite tea is a blend of whole-leaf China black tea, complemented by the sweetness of blackberry pieces, vibrant blackberry leaves, and the natural essence of pure blackberries. While delicious hot, Mark T. Wendell’s Blackberry Black Tea creates a captivating fusion of flavors that transform into a refreshing glass of iced tea when cooled. I wholeheartedly recommend trying it.
- Tip: Adjust the amount of tea based on your desired strength. You can increase or decrease the quantity to suit your preference.

Prepare your cucumber and onion slices with care, ensuring they are thinly sliced to maintain the delicate nature of the sandwiches. Experiment with tomato slices for a variation in flavors. The creamy chive spread serves as the delightful bridge that ties together these elegant tea sandwiches. Adjust the seasonings and herbs according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Pairing Tea Sandwiches – Expanding the Tea Party Menu

Tea sandwiches are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments to create a delightful afternoon tea experience. Here's a list of pairing suggestions for tea sandwiches, which we’ve divided between beverage pairings, and side dish pairings:

Beverages:

Hot Tea: The perfect pairing. Traditional afternoon tea often includes a selection of hot teas. Offer a choice of black, green, herbal, or flavored teas to complement the sandwiches. Be sure to check out our friends over Mark T. Wendell for all of the perfect tea pairings.
Iced Tea: During warm weather or outdoor tea parties, consider serving iced tea as a refreshing beverage option. Classic black or herbal iced tea is always a hit.
Champagne: For an elegant touch, pair tea sandwiches with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. The effervescence and acidity of champagne can balance the richness of some sandwich fillings.
White Wine: Light and crisp white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can be a lovely choice for pairing with tea sandwiches, especially those with seafood or chicken fillings.
Fruit Punch: A non-alcoholic fruit punch or sparkling fruit juice is an excellent choice for guests who prefer a fruity and refreshing beverage.
Lemonade: Homemade lemonade or a lemon-infused iced tea complements the flavors of many tea sandwiches, particularly those with citrusy or herbed fillings.
Cucumber Water: The classic cucumber water and tea sandwich is considered a ‘classic’ pairing for a reason. It’s delicious. Infused water with cucumber slices and mint leaves is a hydrating and cooling beverage that complements cucumber tea sandwiches perfectly.
Herbal Infusions: Offer herbal infusions like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender for guests who prefer caffeine-free options.

Dainty Bites:

Scones with Cream Cheese and Jam: Serve warm, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and a variety of fruit jams or preserves. This classic accompaniment is a must for any tea party.
Fresh Fruit: A platter of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, grapes, or melon, adds a burst of color and freshness to the table. It's a healthy and palate-cleansing option between bites of sandwiches.
Crudité Platter: A selection of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cherry tomatoes served with a light dip or hummus can provide a nice contrast to the sandwiches.
Mini Quiches: Tiny quiches or savory tarts make a great addition to the spread and provide an alternative savory option for guests.
Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs, garnished with paprika or fresh herbs, are a classic tea party treat that pairs well with tea sandwiches.
Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and some dried fruits or nuts for a savory element.
Petit Fours or Mini Desserts: Offer an assortment of petit fours, mini cupcakes, or other bite-sized desserts to satisfy sweet cravings.

Personalize Your Tea Time – Delicious Tea Sandwich Variations

Let's explore some delicious variations of tea sandwiches and the exciting world of personalized fillings and spreads:

Smoked Salmon and Dill: Add in sliced smoked salmon, and infuse the cheese mixture with fresh dill and lemon for a luxurious twist.
Herbed Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper: Swap cream cheese for herbed goat cheese, and layer roasted red pepper strips and arugula for a zesty kick.
Egg Salad Sandwiches: Create a curried egg salad by mixing hard-boiled eggs with curry powder, mayo, and diced celery. Spread onto bread and top with baby spinach leaves.
Mediterranean Veggie: Spread hummus on the bread and layer with sliced roasted red peppers, sliced marinated artichoke hearts, and sliced Kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair.
Chicken Salad: Use a creamy chicken salad in place of the cream cheese to create a delightful combination.
Avocado and Bacon: Mash ripe avocado onto the bread, add crispy bacon, sliced tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Pesto Chicken: Mix cooked shredded chicken with basil pesto and mayo. Layer with fresh mozzarella and sliced tomato for a vibrant option.
Hummus and Veggie Medley: Spread a layer of hummus and top with a colorful mix of thinly sliced cucumber, carrot ribbons, and bell pepper strips.
Caprese: Drizzle pesto onto bread slices, then layer fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season with salt and balsamic vinegar.
Tuna Salad with Cucumber: Create a zesty tuna salad with mayo, diced pickles, and Dijon mustard. Add cucumber slices and arugula for a crunchy bite.

Delightful Variations – Make these Sandwiches Your Own

Cheeses: Explore a range of cheeses, such as Brie, cheddar, Swiss, or feta, for varying flavors and textures to layer on the sandwiches. This is the easiest way to change things up, but without resorting to plain cheese sandwiches.
Spreads: Experiment with spreads like sun-dried tomato pesto, sriracha mayo, or even fruit preserves.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint add an aromatic touch, and are a super simple way to vary the flavor profile significantly. They’re also great for adding a pop of vibrant green color.
Greens: Experiment with your choice of baby spinach, arugula, or microgreens. For Fall Friendly variations, considering warming the greens with toasted nuts and dried fruit.
Proteins: Incorporate herbed grilled chicken, ham, roast beef turkey, or even smoked tofu to add substance.
Nuts: Add a delightful crunch with toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or walnuts.
Fruits: Thin apple or pear slices can introduce a hint of sweetness and crunch.
Condiments: A touch of honey, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of dukkah can take your sandwiches to the next level.

And those are our Tea Sandwiches, courtesy of Mark T. Wendell. Be sure head over to Mark T. Wendell. If you enjoyed today’s post, be sure to like, share, and subscribe, it helps us more than you can know.

Today and always, LTG readers get 15% off any order of $50 or more when you use the code LivingtheGourmet at checkout. Cheers, friends!

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

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5 from 20 reviews

Author: Living the Gourmet
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Ingredients

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1 English cucumber, sliced very thin
1/2 red onion, sliced very thin
1 tomato, sliced very thin (optional)
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons whole milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Sliced bread

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese with whole milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and whipped. Fold in the chives.
Take your desires sliced bread, spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on both slices. Layer the cucumbers and onions then close the sandwich. Using a sharp nice, trim the crusts off. Slice in half in a diagonal, then each diagonal in half, into triangles.
Alternately, you can also make tomato sandwiches. Replace cucumber slices with tomatoes for some of the sandwiches.
Serve on a platter with your favorite Mark T. Wendell tea!