Deluxe Seafood Tea Sandwiches
Delight your guests with these elegant Deluxe Seafood Tea Sandwiches, perfect for tea parties, luncheons, or any special occasion. These delightful finger sandwiches combine rich flavors of seafood like crab, shrimp, or lobster with creamy butter or cream cheese and fresh chives, making them a delectable treat. The addition of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and optional horseradish adds a hint of tanginess that elevates the taste. Soft, crustless bread showcases a vibrant filling, making these sandwiches both visually appealing and utterly delicious. Serve chilled for a refreshing snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soft butter or cream cheese
3/4 cup (Softened)
Chives
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Bread of your choice
20 slices (Crusts removed)
Seafood (crab, shrimp, or lobster)
2 cups (Finely chopped)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (N/A)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon (Optional)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Black pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter (or cream cheese) with finely chopped chives. Mix until well blended.
2
Spread the chive butter mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread.
3
In another bowl, mix together the finely chopped seafood, mayonnaise, lemon juice, prepared horseradish (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
4
Evenly spread the seafood mixture over 10 slices of the prepared bread. Top each with a second slice of buttered bread, spread side down.
5
Use a sharp knife to remove the crusts from the sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into quarters to create cute finger-sized pieces.
6
Arrange the sandwiches neatly on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deluxe Seafood Tea Sandwiches?
Deluxe Seafood Tea Sandwiches are elegant finger sandwiches featuring a creamy seafood filling made with crab, shrimp, or lobster, served on soft crustless bread.
What types of seafood can be used in this recipe?
You can use finely chopped crab, shrimp, or lobster, or a combination of these for the filling.
Should I use butter or cream cheese for the spread?
Both work well; use softened butter for a traditional rich taste or cream cheese for a tangier, firmer texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40 finger-sized pieces, which serves about 30 people as an appetizer.
What is the best way to prepare the chives?
The chives should be finely chopped and then thoroughly mixed into the softened butter or cream cheese.
Is the horseradish a necessary ingredient?
No, the prepared horseradish is optional and adds a subtle hint of tanginess and heat.
What kind of bread should I use?
Use any soft bread of your choice, such as white, whole wheat, or brioche.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Spreading the chive butter mixture on the bread first creates a moisture barrier before adding the seafood filling.
Should the seafood be cooked before assembly?
Yes, ensure the crab, shrimp, or lobster is fully cooked, cooled, and finely chopped before mixing with the mayonnaise.
When should I remove the crusts from the bread?
Remove the crusts with a sharp knife after assembling the sandwiches to ensure clean, even edges.
How should these sandwiches be cut?
Each full sandwich should be cut into quarters to create small, dainty finger-sized pieces.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep them tightly covered and refrigerated until serving.
What is the ideal serving temperature?
These sandwiches are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the seafood is completely thawed and any excess moisture is squeezed out before chopping.
What seasonings are recommended?
Salt and black pepper should be added to taste to enhance the flavors of the seafood and mayonnaise.
How much seafood is needed for 20 slices of bread?
You will need approximately 2 cups of finely chopped seafood.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise in the filling?
The mayonnaise acts as a binder, giving the seafood filling a creamy and cohesive texture.
Are these sandwiches suitable for a tea party?
Yes, their delicate size and elegant presentation make them perfect for tea parties and luncheons.
Can I substitute the chives with other herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh dill or parsley if you prefer a different herbal profile.
How should I arrange them for a party?
Arrange the cut quarters neatly on a large platter, perhaps garnished with extra sprigs of chives or lemon wedges.
What category of meal does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch and Snacks, specifically as an appetizer or finger food.
How many slices of bread are required?
The recipe calls for 20 slices of bread to make 10 full sandwiches before cutting.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise can be used without significantly affecting the overall flavor.
Are these sandwiches spicy?
They are not spicy, though the optional horseradish provides a very mild kick.
What size should the seafood pieces be?
The seafood should be finely chopped so that the filling remains smooth and the sandwiches are easy to bite into.
How much butter or cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of softened butter or cream cheese.
How long can they sit out at room temperature?
Due to the seafood and mayonnaise, they should not sit out for more than two hours for food safety.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the mild flavors and small size make them very appealing to children who enjoy seafood.
What makes these 'deluxe'?
The use of premium seafood like lobster or crab combined with a fresh chive spread elevates them above standard tea sandwiches.