Classic Southern Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Delve into the charming world of Southern hospitality with our Classic Southern Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. These delicate sandwiches, adorned with a creamy cucumber filling, are a timeless addition to any bridal or baby shower, afternoon tea, or ladies' luncheon. Delightfully light yet flavorful, they showcase the crisp freshness of cucumbers elevated by the richness of cream cheese and a hint of ranch flavoring. Perfectly shaped and beautifully garnished, they are not only delicious but also an elegant treat for your guests. Get ready to impress your friends with this quintessential Southern recipe that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 large (Peeled and cut lengthwise)
Cream Cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (Softened)
Chopped Frozen Chives
1 tablespoon (Thawed)
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 tablespoon (None)
White Bread
2 loaves (Crusts removed)
Fresh Parsley
1 bunch (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumbers and cutting them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds from the center.
2
Generously sprinkle salt inside the cavities of the cucumbers to help draw out excess water, then place them cut-side down on a rack in a glass dish. Cover and let them drain in the refrigerator overnight.
3
The following day, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Use paper towels to gently press and remove any remaining moisture.
4
Chop the cucumbers into smaller pieces and transfer them to a food processor. Pulse for about 10 seconds until coarsely chopped.
5
Add the cream cheese, chopped chives, and ranch dressing mix to the cucumbers in the food processor. Blend the mixture until it's smooth and creamy.
6
Prepare the white bread by cutting off the crusts. Using a 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from each slice. You should be able to get two sandwich shapes from each slice.
7
Set aside the bread scraps for later use in breadcrumbs or feed them to the birds.
8
Spread an even layer of the cucumber filling onto each cut piece of bread. Be generous for the best flavor!
9
Stack the sandwiches in an airtight container, separating each layer with waxed paper to prevent them from sticking together.
10
Refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and for them to firm up.
11
When ready to serve, arrange the sandwiches on a lovely platter and garnish each one with a small sprig of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Southern Cucumber Tea Sandwiches?
They are delicate, heart-shaped sandwiches featuring a creamy cucumber, cream cheese, and ranch filling, traditionally served at Southern social events.
What type of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two large cucumbers that are peeled and seeded.
Why do I need to salt the cucumbers?
Salting the cucumbers helps draw out excess water, which prevents the sandwich filling from becoming too watery and making the bread soggy.
How long should the cucumbers drain?
The cucumbers should drain in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Do I need to rinse the cucumbers after draining?
Yes, rinse them under cold water the following day to remove the excess salt before patting them dry.
What is the base of the sandwich filling?
The filling is made from a blend of processed cucumbers, softened cream cheese, chives, and ranch dressing mix.
Which ranch dressing mix is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix for the best flavor.
Can I use fresh chives instead of frozen?
Yes, while the recipe suggests thawed frozen chives, fresh chopped chives can also be used.
What kind of bread is best for tea sandwiches?
Two loaves of white bread with the crusts removed are used to create these classic sandwiches.
How do I shape the tea sandwiches?
Use a 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the bread slices.
How many sandwiches can I get from one slice of bread?
You can typically get two heart-shaped sandwich pieces from each slice of white bread.
What should I do with the bread scraps?
Bread scraps can be saved to make breadcrumbs or used to feed birds.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
A food processor is used to coarsely chop the cucumbers and blend the filling until smooth and creamy.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from sticking together in storage?
Stack the sandwiches in an airtight container with layers separated by waxed paper.
How long should the sandwiches be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.
What is the best way to garnish these sandwiches?
Garnish each sandwich with a small sprig of fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.
Are these sandwiches suitable for a bridal shower?
Yes, they are a timeless addition to bridal showers, baby showers, afternoon teas, and luncheons.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cucumbers, cream cheese, chives, ranch mix, white bread, and fresh parsley.
Can I make the cucumber filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be prepared ahead of time, but the cucumbers themselves must drain overnight first.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, using softened cream cheese ensures the filling blends smoothly in the food processor.
What happens if I don't remove the cucumber seeds?
Removing the seeds is important to reduce moisture and ensure a uniform texture in the creamy filling.
Can I use a different shape for the sandwiches?
While hearts are traditional for this recipe, you can use any small cookie cutter or simply cut them into triangles or squares.
Is this recipe considered finger food?
Yes, these are classic finger foods perfect for parties and social gatherings.
How many packages of cream cheese are needed?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese.
Does this recipe include any tags for searching?
Tags include southern food, tea sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, bridal shower, and appetizers.
Should I use paper towels on the cucumbers?
Yes, after rinsing the salted cucumbers, use paper towels to press out any remaining moisture.
How long do I pulse the cucumbers in the processor?
Pulse for about 10 seconds until they are coarsely chopped before adding the other filling ingredients.
Can I add other herbs to the garnish?
The recipe recommends parsley, but you can use other fresh herbs if preferred for different aesthetic touches.
Is the bread crust left on?
No, the crusts should be removed from the white bread before cutting the shapes.
What is the flavor profile of these sandwiches?
They are light and fresh, with a rich, creamy texture and a savory hint of ranch and chives.