English Tea Sandwiches
Elegant, Delicious, and Perfect for Afternoon Tea!
There is something so lovely about sitting down with a cup of tea and a plate of delicate little sandwiches. English tea sandwiches are a traditional favorite for afternoon tea, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or even a relaxing afternoon at home.
These little sandwiches may be small, but they are full of flavor! Traditionally made with soft white or wheat bread, thin fillings, and crusts removed, tea sandwiches are easy to prepare and look beautiful when arranged on a serving platter.
One of the best things about making tea sandwiches is that you can prepare several different varieties, giving everyone a little something they will enjoy.
Today, I'm sharing five delicious English tea sandwich recipes that are simple to make and perfect for your next gathering!
1. Classic Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches
These are probably one of the most traditional English tea sandwiches. They are light, refreshing, and have a wonderful creamy texture.
Ingredients
8 slices white sandwich bread
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
4 ounces softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of bread.
Arrange thin cucumber slices over four slices of bread.
Place the remaining bread slices on top.
Gently press the sandwiches together.
Remove the crusts and cut into small rectangles, triangles, or finger sandwiches.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
2. Classic Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are another afternoon tea favorite. They are creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices white or wheat bread
Directions
Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.
Place them in a mixing bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix until creamy but still slightly chunky.
Spread the egg salad evenly over four slices of bread.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
Remove the crusts and cut into small finger sandwiches.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Ham and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches
If you enjoy something a little heartier, these ham and cheddar sandwiches are a wonderful choice. The savory ham and sharp cheddar make a delicious combination.
Ingredients
8 slices white or wheat bread
½ pound thinly sliced deli ham
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons softened butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
A handful of fresh baby spinach (optional)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and Dijon mustard.
Spread a thin layer over each slice of bread.
Layer the ham and cheddar cheese onto four slices.
Add a little baby spinach if desired.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
Remove the crusts and cut into small triangles or rectangles.
Keep refrigerated until serving.
4. Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Chicken salad makes a wonderful filling for tea sandwiches. It is creamy, slightly crunchy, and full of delicious flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices croissant bread or soft white sandwich bread
Directions
Place the chopped chicken in a mixing bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Spread the chicken salad onto four slices of bread.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
Remove the crusts and cut into small sandwiches.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Strawberry Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches
You can't have a proper tea party without something a little sweet! These strawberry cream cheese sandwiches are a delicious addition to your tea platter.
Ingredients
8 slices soft white bread
4 ounces softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon honey
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over four slices of bread.
Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese.
Drizzle lightly with honey.
Place the remaining bread slices on top.
Remove the crusts and cut into small triangles or finger sandwiches.
Refrigerate until serving.
How to Arrange Your English Tea Sandwiches
One of the nicest things about serving tea sandwiches is how pretty they look when arranged on a platter.
Here are a few ideas for presentation:
Arrange each sandwich variety in its own section.
Cut sandwiches into small triangles, rectangles, or squares.
Use a tiered serving tray for a traditional afternoon tea presentation.
Garnish your platter with fresh parsley, dill, or small strawberries.
Use different types of bread to add color and variety.
For a traditional English afternoon tea, serve your sandwiches with scones, small pastries, cookies, and a pot of freshly brewed tea.
What Tea Goes Great with Tea Sandwiches?
Choosing the right tea can make your afternoon tea even more enjoyable.
Here are some wonderful choices:
English Breakfast Tea: A traditional black tea with a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with ham, egg salad, and chicken salad sandwiches.
Earl Grey Tea: A fragrant black tea with a hint of bergamot. It is delicious with cucumber sandwiches and sweet strawberry sandwiches.
Green Tea: A lighter option that works nicely with fresh cucumber and chicken salad.
Chamomile Tea: A gentle herbal tea that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats and cream cheese sandwiches.
Peppermint Tea: A refreshing choice that is especially nice after enjoying a variety of sandwiches and desserts.
Tips for Making Perfect Tea Sandwiches
Use Soft Bread: Fresh, soft sandwich bread works best because it is easy to cut and doesn't overpower the filling.
Remove the Crusts: Traditional English tea sandwiches are usually served without crusts.
Don't Overfill: A thin, even layer of filling makes the sandwiches easier to eat.
Keep Them Covered: Cover prepared sandwiches with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap to help prevent the bread from drying out.
Prepare Ahead: You can make many of the fillings ahead of time. For the freshest sandwiches, assemble them close to serving time.
Remember to keep sandwiches containing meat, eggs, dairy, or mayonnaise refrigerated until serving. Don't leave them sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Final Thoughts from Momz Daily Scoops
I love the idea of putting together a beautiful afternoon tea platter filled with little sandwiches, sweet treats, and a nice hot cup of tea.
English tea sandwiches are simple, elegant, and so much fun to make. What I especially love is that you can offer several different flavors, from refreshing cucumber and creamy egg salad to savory ham and cheddar and even a sweet strawberry cream cheese sandwich.
These would be wonderful for a bridal shower, baby shower, Mother's Day brunch, birthday party, or a special afternoon with family and friends.
You don't need a fancy occasion to enjoy them either. Sometimes it's nice to slow down, make something delicious, brew your favorite tea, and enjoy a little afternoon treat.
So get out your favorite serving platter, prepare a few different sandwich fillings, and host your own little afternoon tea!
Happy Cooking from Momz Daily Scoops!
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