High Tea Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Tea Sandwiches (3 Ways)

Elegant, bite-sized sandwiches with crisp edges and creamy, flavorful fillings—perfect for a polished high tea spread.

Ingredients

• 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (or wholemeal), crusts optional
• 200 g cream cheese, softened
• 200 g smoked salmon
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp finely chopped chives (or parsley)
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil (or butter), for lightly brushing bread (optional, for extra luxe texture)

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Prep cucumber (so sandwiches stay crisp)

  Thinly slice the cucumber (a peeler works for ribbons, or use a knife for rounds). Lay on paper towel, sprinkle lightly with salt, and leave 10 minutes. Pat very dry (this is key to avoiding soggy bread).

• 2

  Step 2: Make Filling #1: Smoked Salmon & Lemon Chive

  In a bowl, mix 120 g cream cheese with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chives, and a good pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust salt (go easy—smoked salmon is salty).

• 3

  Step 3: Make Filling #2: Cucumber “Tea” Cream Cheese

  Mix remaining 80 g cream cheese with 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon, and 1 tbsp chives. Season with pepper and a tiny pinch of salt.

• 4

  Step 4: Trim and cut for a high tea look

  For the most classic presentation, trim crusts with a sharp serrated knife. Cut each sandwich into **3 fingers** (rectangles) or **triangles**. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

• 5

  Step 5: Chill briefly (the secret to sharp cuts)

  Cover with a barely damp paper towel, then plastic wrap. Refrigerate **15–30 minutes** so they set—this makes them slice beautifully and stay fresh.

Tips

• **Make-ahead:** Assemble up to **6 hours ahead**. Keep covered as described (damp towel + wrap) so bread doesn’t dry out.
• **Extra “classy” touch:** Use cucumber ribbons and fold smoked salmon into loose rosettes/ruffles for a boutique-catered look.
• **Serving idea:** Arrange on a tiered stand with salmon on top tier, cucumber on middle, and add a small bowl of extra chive cream cheese for guests who want more.
• **Bread choice:** Softer bread gives the most traditional tea-sandwich bite. If using a sturdier loaf, slice thinly and press gently after assembling.
• **Keep it crisp:** Pat cucumber very dry and spread fillings edge-to-edge to create a moisture barrier.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)