Cucumber Sandwiches

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate policy.

For an easy party appetizer, try Cucumber Sandwiches. They’re a staple at Midwestern potlucks and on spring brunch menus, and you’re about to taste why!

Cucumber sandwiches on a round wooden platter.


 

When I lived in Wisconsin, my friends and I often gathered for “dinner” parties that included zero entrees. Instead, we feasted on an assortment of appetizer recipes that added up to a fun, festive, and low-fuss meal.

Many delicious bites came out of those gatherings including these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, this Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables, and my favorite garlic butter Cheese Tortellini.

Not just for English tea parties anymore, these easy Cucumber Sandwiches are sure to be the star of your next upcoming party; no matter the theme. The delicious, elegant finger food is easy to prepare in advance and assembly is a breeze.

Recipe ingredients

Labeled ingredients for cucumber sandwiches.

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

Ingredient notes

  • Ranch dressing mix: You can certainly buy a packet at the supermarket. Or, to make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk, 2 ½ teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dill weed, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • High-quality sandwich bread: You want something sturdy that can stand up to a schmear of cream cheese. A store-bought or homemade croissant, sliced in half, would also make an ideal vessel if you’re serving Cucumber Sandwiches as part of a brunch menu.
  • Hot house cucumbers: Also labeled as “English cucumbers,” these have thinner skins, sweeter flesh, and less seeds than traditional cucumbers. If you can’t find the hot house variety, substitute for 2 to 3 regular cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasoning mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Cucumber sandwich spread in a clear bowl.
  1. To assemble, top each square of bread with cream cheese mixture and a cucumber slice. 
Cucumber sandwiches being assembled on a wooden cutting board.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Yield: This recipe makes enough appetizer-sized servings, five mini sandwiches each, to feed 16 people. Double or halve the recipe as appropriate for your crowd.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese spread will help prevent the bread from getting soggy.
  • Make ahead: The cream cheese filling can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for 30 minutes for easiest spreading.
  • Spice things up: If you’re not a huge fan of ranch, simply replace the dressing mix with an equal amount of Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Greek Seasoning, or even Everything Bagel Seasoning. Adjust your garnishes as desired.
Cucumber sandwiches on a round white plate.

How do you make a cucumber sandwich?

The traditional English version consists of thinly-sliced cucumbers sandwiched between crustless, buttered bread. In this Midwest-inspired version, we sub a ranch cream cheese mixture for the butter and keep it open-faced.

How do you keep cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy?

Spread the bread with a layer of butter or cream cheese. It acts a moisture barrier so the water from the cucumbers is blocked from hitting the bread.

Cucumber sandwiches on a round wooden platter.

Veggie Pizza

Beloved by kids and adults alike, this easy Veggie Pizza makes eating vegetables fun. Prep the entire healthy pizza recipe in just 15 minutes. You might want a double batch, though; it’s just that delicious.

1 hour
View Recipe

More veggie appetizers

Join Us

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow along on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for our latest recipes! Tag all your glorious creations #culinaryhill so we can eat vicariously through you.
Cucumber sandwiches on a round wooden platter.

Cucumber Sandwiches

For an easy party appetizer, try Cucumber Sandwiches. They're a staple at Midwestern potlucks and on spring brunch menus, and you're about to taste why!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 servings (about 5 pieces each)
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Calories 167
5 from 68 votes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup homemade ranch dressing mix or 1 packet store-bought (see note 1)
  • 1 loaf high-quality sandwich bread crusts removed, quartered (see note 2)
  • 2 hot house cucumber thinly sliced (see note 3)
  • Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasoning mix. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
  • To assemble, top each square of bread with cream cheese mixture and a cucumber slice. 

Recipe Video

Notes

  1. Ranch dressing mix: You can certainly buy a packet at the supermarket. Or, to make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk, 2 ½ teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dill weed, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  2. High-quality sandwich bread: You want something sturdy that can stand up to a schmear of cream cheese. A store-bought or homemade croissant, sliced in half, would also make an ideal vessel if you’re serving Cucumber Sandwiches as part of a brunch menu.
  3. Hot house cucumbers: Also labeled as “English cucumbers,” these have thinner skins, sweeter flesh, and less seeds than traditional cucumbers. If you can’t find the hot house variety, substitute for 2 to 3 regular cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced.
  4. Yield: This recipe makes enough appetizer-sized servings, five mini sandwiches each, to feed 16 people. Double or halve the recipe as appropriate for your crowd.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 1 day.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 271mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 33IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @culinaryhill on Instagram so we can admire your masterpiece! #culinaryhill
Website | + posts

Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

Quick & Easy Meals in Under 30 Minutes!
15 simple recipes for busy weeknights.

You May Also Like

Questions and Comments

Thank you for your comments! Please allow 1-2 business days for a reply. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am PST to 5:00 pm PST, excluding holidays. Comments are moderated to prevent spam and profanity.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Another thing I do is run a fork down all sides of the cucumber to make a design.. it’s just a little thing to make a great presentation..

  2. I make the cucumber sandwiches often n they are always a hit… no matter what time of the year.. during the holidays I put red n green peppers on them or olives.. mix things up.. they are gone bf all the other food..

  3. Hi What are some good options to serve with cucumber sandwiches to make a high end “tea”/lunch? Thanks

    1. Hi Marsha, thank you so much for your question! I usually choose two other sandwiches, such as egg salad (I’ll link it below) and ham and cheese. I love scones with clotted cream, and then something sweet, like a petit fours or brownies. I hope this helps and that you have a lovely tea! – Meggan

      https://www.culinaryhill.com/how-to-make-egg-salad/

View all comments