Refreshing Cucumber-Dill Canapés
These delightful open-faced canapés evoke fond memories of charming tea parties from my childhood, where my mom would whip up these flavorful bites for our gatherings. Featuring a creamy, tangy spread made with Neufchatel cheese, infused with zesty Italian dressing, they are both lighter and richer in taste than traditional cream cheese. Layered with crisp, thin slices of hothouse cucumber and finished with a sprinkle of dried dill, these canapés are not only visually appealing but incredibly refreshing. Perfect for bridal showers, ladies' teas, or an elegant brunch, they can also be topped with a single chilled cocktail shrimp for an added touch of sophistication. No cocktail bread? No problem! Simply use regular bread, cut into halves, and enjoy this easy-to-make treat that brings happiness to every occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpernickel cocktail bread
1 loaf (Keep as slices)
Neufchatel cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 (2/3 ounce) package (Use as is)
Hothouse cucumber
1 (Sliced thin)
Dried dill
to taste (Sprinkle over sandwiches)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened Neufchatel cheese and the Italian salad dressing mix until smooth and well combined.
2
Take a slice of pumpernickel cocktail bread and spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly on top.
3
Carefully layer a thin sliver of hothouse cucumber on each slice, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
4
Sprinkle a pinch of dried dill over the cucumbers to enhance the fresh flavor.
5
Arrange the prepared canapés on a platter and cover them with plastic wrap.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Refreshing Cucumber-Dill Canapes?
They are delightful open-faced appetizers made with pumpernickel cocktail bread, a tangy Neufchatel cheese spread, thin cucumber slices, and dried dill.
What is the best bread for these canapes?
Pumpernickel cocktail bread is the traditional choice for this recipe due to its size and flavor.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese, although Neufchatel is used here for a slightly lighter and tangier taste.
How do I prepare the cheese spread?
Blend softened Neufchatel cheese with a package of dry Italian salad dressing mix until the mixture is smooth.
What type of cucumber is recommended?
Hothouse cucumbers, also known as English cucumbers, are recommended because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
No, hothouse cucumbers do not require peeling as their skin is delicate and adds a nice color to the canapes.
How thin should I slice the cucumber?
The cucumber should be sliced into very thin slivers to ensure a delicate texture and a perfect crunch.
Can I make these canapes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them and chill them in the refrigerator for up to one day before serving.
How should I store the canapes before serving?
Arrange them on a platter, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them refrigerated.
What can I use if I cannot find cocktail bread?
You can use regular bread slices and simply cut them into halves or smaller squares.
Can I add a protein topping to these?
Adding a single chilled cocktail shrimp on top of each canape is a great way to add sophistication and protein.
Is the Italian dressing mix a liquid?
No, you should use the dry Italian salad dressing mix found in packets.
How much spread should I use per slice?
Apply approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture to each slice of cocktail bread.
Are these canapes suitable for a tea party?
Yes, they are perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, or elegant brunch gatherings.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, fresh dill can be used as a substitute to provide a more vibrant herbal flavor.
How long do they need to chill for flavors to meld?
Chilling for at least an hour is good, but they can be kept for up to 24 hours for the best flavor profile.
Are these canapes vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the bread and dressing mix used do not contain animal-derived additives, they are vegetarian.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: cocktail bread, Neufchatel cheese, Italian dressing mix, hothouse cucumber, and dried dill.
What is the texture of the spread?
The spread is creamy, tangy, and smooth once the cheese is properly softened and mixed.
Can I use rye bread instead?
Yes, rye cocktail bread is an excellent alternative to pumpernickel.
Is this recipe easy to scale for a crowd?
Yes, it is very easy to double or triple the ingredients for large parties or gatherings.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Applying a generous layer of the cheese spread acts as a moisture barrier between the cucumber and the bread.
Should I serve these cold?
Yes, these are best served chilled directly from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for the Italian dressing mix?
You can use a Ranch dressing mix or a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
Is Neufchatel cheese lower in fat?
Yes, Neufchatel generally has about one-third less fat than standard cream cheese.
Can I freeze these canapes?
No, freezing is not recommended as the cucumber will lose its crispness and the bread may become mushy.
Do I need any special tools?
A simple mixing bowl and a knife for spreading and slicing are all you need.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, many children enjoy the mild flavors of cream cheese and cucumber.
How many slices are in a standard loaf of cocktail bread?
A standard loaf typically contains about 20 to 30 small slices.
Why is dried dill used?
Dried dill is used for convenience and to provide a subtle, consistent herbal finish to the canapes.