Classic Southern Cucumber Sandwiches
Discover the simplicity and delight of these classic Southern Cucumber Sandwiches, a perfect blend of crunch, freshness, and flavor. Utilizing only the finest ingredients, such as homemade or quality mayonnaise, kosher salt, and fresh seedless cucumbers, these sandwiches elevate a humble snack into a sophisticated treat. Perfect for lunch, tea-time snacks, or a light appetizer, their elegant presentation and delicate taste make them an irresistible choice for any occasion.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Squishy white bread
1 loaf (cut into circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter)
English cucumber
1 (sliced thinly (about 1/8 inch))
Sweet onion
1/4 cup (very thinly sliced)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (spread in a thin layer)
Kosher salt
as needed (sprinkled on top)
Instructions
1
Wash and dry the English cucumber thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2
Peel and slice the sweet onion very thinly to create delicate shavings. Set aside for later use.
3
Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible from the slices of squishy white bread. Discard the crusts or save them for another use.
4
Spread a whisper-thin layer of either Best Foods or Hellmann's mayonnaise over one side of each bread circle, ensuring even coverage.
5
Arrange 3 to 4 cucumber slices artfully on each bread circle, ensuring they don't overlap excessively.
6
Top each cucumber layer with 3 or 4 shavings of the sweet onion.
7
Generously sprinkle kosher salt over each sandwich to enhance the flavors. This step is essential to achieving the perfect blend of taste.
8
Serve immediately to enjoy the full freshness of the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Southern Cucumber Sandwiches?
They are a traditional, light snack featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and sweet onions on rounds of soft white bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise.
What type of bread is best for these sandwiches?
A soft, 'squishy' white bread is ideal for achieving the traditional Southern texture.
Why are the sandwiches cut into circles?
Cutting the bread into 3-inch circles provides an elegant presentation and removes the crusts for a delicate tea-time look.
What kind of cucumber should I use?
An English cucumber is recommended because it is seedless and has a thinner, less bitter skin.
Should I peel the English cucumber?
No, the recipe suggests washing and drying the cucumber but keeping the skin on for color and texture.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
Cucumbers should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick.
What tool is best for slicing the cucumbers?
A sharp knife or a mandoline can be used to achieve uniform, thin slices.
What type of onion is recommended?
A sweet onion is used to provide a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the cucumber.
How should the sweet onion be prepared?
The onion should be peeled and sliced into very thin, delicate shavings.
Which mayonnaise brands are recommended?
The recipe suggests using high-quality mayonnaise such as Best Foods or Hellmann's.
How much mayonnaise should I apply?
Apply a whisper-thin layer to each bread circle to provide flavor without making the sandwich heavy.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is preferred for its ability to enhance the fresh flavors of the vegetables.
Why is the salt added at the end?
Sprinkling salt over the assembled sandwich ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and vibrant.
How many cucumber slices go on each sandwich?
Arrange 3 to 4 cucumber slices artfully on each bread circle.
How many onion shavings should be added?
Top the cucumber layer with 3 or 4 thin shavings of sweet onion.
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
It is best to serve them immediately to enjoy the full freshness and prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Are these cucumber sandwiches vegetarian?
Yes, these sandwiches are a vegetarian-friendly option.
What occasions are these sandwiches suitable for?
They are perfect for lunch, tea-time snacks, garden parties, or light appetizers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What can I do with the leftover bread crusts?
You can discard them or save them to make homemade breadcrumbs or croutons.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from being soggy?
By using seedless cucumbers, a thin mayo barrier, and serving immediately, you minimize moisture transfer.
Can I use a different type of salt?
While kosher salt is recommended, sea salt can be a substitute, though the texture may vary.
Is there a substitute for sweet onions?
If sweet onions are unavailable, you can use red onions soaked in cold water to mellow their bite.
Do I need a specific cookie cutter?
A 3-inch round cookie cutter is the standard size for these tea sandwiches.
How do I arrange the cucumbers?
Arrange them artfully on the bread, ensuring they do not overlap excessively.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
The classic version uses salt and onion, but fresh dill or chives are common optional additions.
What makes this a Southern recipe?
The use of soft white bread, specific mayonnaise brands, and its popularity at Southern social gatherings.
Is an English cucumber the same as a regular cucumber?
No, English cucumbers are longer, thinner-skinned, and have fewer seeds than standard garden cucumbers.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mayonnaise?
While some variations use cream cheese, this classic Southern version specifically calls for mayonnaise.
What is the key to a perfect cucumber sandwich?
The key is using the freshest ingredients and slicing the vegetables as thinly as possible.