Delicious Tea Sandwiches: Try this Tasty Recipe Today!
Greetings, friends! If you’re looking to indulge in some Finger Sandwiches, then you’ve come to the right place. In this recipe article, I’m going to share with you my Southern-style Tea Sandwich recipe. After all, what better way to enjoy a breezy afternoon than with a light snack and a cup of tea?
Now, I know that the art of making a great tea sandwich might sound intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that it’s easier than you think. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. Before you know it, you’ll be serving up delicious tea sandwiches that will wow your guests.
But why Southern-style? Well, when it comes to food, the South is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes. And despite being bite-sized snacks, these tea sandwiches are no exception. With fresh cucumbers, tangy cream cheese and smoked salmon, these sandwiches pack a punch of flavor that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
So, grab yourselves some bread and some butter because we’re about to embark on a journey of delectable tea delights. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, do you want to switch up your tea time game? Well, look no further! I present to you the recipe for Southern Tea Sandwiches: The perfect finger sandwiches for your next afternoon tea or high tea. These sandwiches are a classic southern dish, and let me tell you, they are absolutely ‘finger-licking good’! Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop yourself from having one more.
First of all, this recipe uses the best ingredients to pack in the best flavors. All we need are some thinly sliced cucumber, yellow onions, cream cheese softened at room temperature, and my secret twist – a tablespoon of Tabasco sauce. You heard right. You might think it’s weird to add hot sauce to a tea sandwich, but trust me on this: The spice adds a much-needed kick and balance of flavors that will make every bite as flavorful as it is addictive.
Secondly, these sandwiches are incredibly versatile. Need something light? Swap out the heavy meats for smoked salmon and put some pimento cheese or chicken salad on them instead. Hosting a tea party with floral themes? Top the sandwiches with thinly sliced strawberry paired with your favorite cheese spread. This recipe allows you to get creative and customize your sandwiches with whatever fresh ingredients available.
Lastly, this recipe is not only delicious but very simple and easy to make ahead of time. The mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Perfect for those busy mornings when getting everything done seems impossible.
In conclusion, these Southern Tea Sandwiches will rock your taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and fill your tummy without being too heavy. It is an Elvis favorite after all! Try out my recipe today for a little taste of southern hospitality that even Mark Twain would be proud of. Trust me folks – this is one tea sandwich recipe you won’t want to miss!
Ingredient List
Before we delve into the Southern Tea Sandwich recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need in your kitchen. This recipe is easy to whip up and the ingredients are simple enough for anyone to find at their local grocery store. Here are the ingredients that will make your tea sandwiches finger-licking good:
Bread
- Thinly sliced, high-quality bread is ideal for making delicate tea sandwiches. Look for a loaf that is well-packed with slices or get creative and use different types of bread like rye or whole wheat.
Cream Cheese
- 3/4 cup of cream cheese, softened, will give you the creamy texture we all love in our tea sandwiches. You can substitute this ingredient with mayonnaise if preferred.
Cucumbers
- These green vegetables are the main stars of cucumber tea sandwiches. Use 1 peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumber.
Yellow Onion
- To add a tangy flavor to your sandwiches, you’ll need 1 tablespoon finely chopped yellow onion.
Salt and Black Pepper
- Add these to taste for a bit of seasoning and extra flavor.
Now that we have all the ingredients lined up let’s dive into how to make these delicious Southern Tea Sandwiches.
The Recipe How-To
If you want to please your guests with a delicious southern tea sandwich, follow these instructions carefully. Believe me, once you taste them, you’ll be hooked.
Preparing the Bread and Fillings
First, gather all the ingredients on the counter. Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:
- 16 slices of white or whole wheat bread
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Tabasco sauce (optional)
Next, remove the crusts from each slice of bread. Using a rolling pin or a large flat object, flatten each slice until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
Making the Creamy Spread
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Feel free to add a few drops of Tabasco sauce if you prefer spicier sandwiches. Add in the chopped onion and mix well.
For a classic cucumber tea sandwich spread, peel and seed a cucumber before thinly slicing it. Mix together the sliced cucumber with the spread until well-combined.
If smoked salmon is more your style, flake 4 ounces of smoked salmon into small bits and add it to the same spread mixture.
Assembling Your Sandwiches
Lay out four slices of your flattened bread on your work surface. Top each slice with your prepared creamy spread mixture: either cucumber & cream cheese or smoked salmon & cream cheese.
Arrange another layer of flattened bread on top and press down gently to make a “sandwich”.
Pro tip: To keep the sandwiches from getting soggy, pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels before adding them to your sandwiches.
Cutting and Serving
Once the sandwiches are assembled, cut each into four triangles or small rectangles. Arrange cucumber tea, smoked salmon, and chicken salad sandwiches on a platter with some pimiento cheese or strawberry sandwiches for a lovely afternoon tea or high tea party treat.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Since these tea sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, it’s best to prepare them right before serving. However, if you must prepare ahead of time, store the sandwiches in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two hours.
Tips for Perfect Results
For the best flavor, use thinly sliced cucumber or salmon.
To make assembling the sandwiches easy, freeze bread slices before flattening and cutting.
To avoid soggy sandwiches, spread only a thin layer of creamy mixture.
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead of time?
The best approach is to make them within 1 hour of serving. However, they can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated up
Substitutions and Variations
Hold on to your hats, y’all because I’ve got some exciting news. You can switch up the ingredients and the flavors of these Southern Tea Sandwiches to fit whatever mood you’re in! Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations.
First off, let’s talk about the fillings. While we’ve given you a few options (cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, and Kentucky Benedictine), there are plenty of other fillings that would work great in a tea sandwich. Pimento cheese is a classic Southern option and would pair perfectly with some thinly sliced ham or turkey. For a sweeter option, why not try a strawberry cream cheese filling? Or for something more substantial, you can’t go wrong with a chicken salad sandwich.
If you want to mix up the bread, go for it! We recommend using a soft white bread for these sandwiches, but feel free to get adventurous. You could use whole wheat bread or even try using croissants as the base for your sandwich.
For a bit of extra flavor, try adding some spices or sauces to your filling. A dash of Tabasco sauce can add some heat to your cucumber egg sandwich, while a pinch of black pepper can enhance the flavor of smoked salmon or roast beef sandwiches. And if you’re feeling really wild, why not try using tea-infused mayonnaise instead of plain mayonnaise?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to variations on Southern Tea Sandwiches. Just be sure to keep the portions bite-sized, and you’ll be ready to impress at your next tea party or high tea event.
But don’t take my word for it- get in the kitchen and start experimenting! With so many options at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to mix things up and create your own personal twist on these beloved sandwiches.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Southern tea sandwiches, it’s time to serve and pair them with the perfect accompaniments. These dainty finger sandwiches are best enjoyed at an elegant afternoon tea or high tea, where they can be savored alongside your favorite hot beverage.
When serving your tea sandwiches, presentation is key. Arrange your sandwiches on a tiered platter or decorative plate to show off their delicate and colorful fillings. Be sure to cut off the crusts and slice them into perfectly bite-sized portions for easy eating.
As for pairing, tea sandwiches are meant to be light and refreshing, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of different beverages. For a classic pairing, serve alongside a piping hot cup of black tea. If you prefer something sweeter, try pairing them with a fruity iced tea or lemonade.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even pair your tea sandwiches with cocktails or spirit-based drinks. A classic gin and tonic or Tom Collins would provide the perfect tangy balance to the creaminess of your cucumber or pimiento cheese fillings.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside your Southern tea sandwiches, one thing is for certain: these dainty little finger sandwiches are sure to be the star of any afternoon tea party or high tea gathering. And with their easy make-ahead and storing options from section (7) Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating, you can enjoy them any time!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I reckon there ain’t nothin’ better than planning ahead, especially when it comes to cookin’. That’s why I’m fixin’ to guide you on how to make this Southern Tea Sandwich Recipe in advance and tips on how to store and reheat them just right.
You can prepare the sandwiches up to 24 hours ahead of your tea party, so you’ll have more time for other preparations. Assemble the sandwiches but leave off any toppings like cucumber or smoked salmon, which might make the bread soggy. Cover the sandwiches with plastic wrap and refrigerate them until serving.
If you need to store leftover sandwiches, keep them in a single layer on a platter and cover with plastic wrap. You can also place the sandwiches in an airtight container and separate each layer using wax paper or parchment paper. Store any leftover topping separately too, such as sliced cucumbers, cream cheese spread or smoked salmon.
Reheating these tea sandwiches is not recommended; they’re best-enjoyed cold. But if you insist on reheating them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the bread as they might become dry or burnt.
Now that I’ve shared with y’all how to plan ahead for your next afternoon tea party and store those scrumptious Southern Tea Sandwiches perfectly, you won’t need to stress before hosting one!
Tips for Perfect Results
If there’s one thing that’s for sure about making southern tea sandwiches, it’s that perfecting them can take some finessing. But fear not, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure your tea sandwiches are the talk of the town.
1. Butter the Bread
When making tea sandwiches, butter is non-negotiable. It will keep the bread from getting soggy and enhance its flavors. Use softened butter and apply it evenly to both sides of your bread slices before assembling your sandwich.
2. Pay Attention to the Size
Tea sandwiches are meant to be dainty, so it’s important to trim your crusts and cut them into bite-sized portions. Aim for sandwiches that are no larger than two inches in size – they should be small enough to fit into one’s mouth in one bite.
3. Thinly Sliced Ingredients
Whether you’re using cucumber, smoked salmon or any other ingredients of your choice, thinly sliced is key. The thinner the better! It’ll help make every bite tender and easy to eat in one go.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients
While it may be tempting to use pre-packaged or older ingredients, fresh is best when it comes to making tea sandwiches. Not only does this improve their flavor and texture, but it also ensures that they’ll last throughout your entire afternoon tea party.
5. Consider Color and Presentation
Presentation is everything when it comes to finger sandwiches! If you’re creating a variety of different sandwich flavors, take care to present each variety with its unique flare while keeping color balance in mind. For example, serve benedictine or cream cheese & cucumber on white bread alongside pimento cheese or roast beef on wheat bread.
By using these tips and tricks as guidelines, you’ll be enjoying perfect southern tea sandwiches in no time!
FAQ
And now, let’s dive into the FAQ section of this Southern Tea Sandwich recipe. Here, I will answer some of the most commonly asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need to make these finger sandwiches a hit. So, grab a cup of tea and read on for answers to your burning questions!
What is a traditional tea sandwich?
The quintessential English tradition of serving tea in the afternoon calls for the customary five finger sandwiches. The fillings include smoked salmon, egg and cress, cucumber, ham and mustard, and coronation chicken.
What kind of bread do you use for tea sandwiches?
When making tea sandwiches, it’s important to choose the right bread to complement the filling. Soft white bread works best with lighter fillings, while stronger breads like pumpernickel pair well with bold flavors like smoked salmon. Fresh bread is a must, as stale bread won’t provide the right texture or flavor.
What is the Queens afternoon tea sandwich?
According to a recent statement from a former chef at the royal court, the preferred sandwich of the queen is a classic tuna mayonnaise. The chef added that the sandwich was required to have a thick layer of butter, and it should be paired with thinly sliced cucumbers and a hint of black pepper.
How far in advance should you make tea sandwiches?
For optimum taste and freshness, it’s ideal to prepare your sandwiches as close to the day of your gathering as possible. It’s suggested to make your sandwiches within 48 hours of the party to ensure the best flavor.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, folks – my recipe for the most delicious Southern Tea Sandwiches you’ll ever try. I promise each bite will transport you to a sunny day in the Southern countryside, sitting down for a fancy afternoon tea with your closest friends and family.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip up a batch of these tasty tea sandwiches. Plus, you can customize them with your choice of fillings – whether it’s classic cucumber, savory pimento cheese, or even some smoky salmon.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try at your next tea party or high tea. Your guests will surely be impressed by the array of delicate finger sandwiches and delicious flavors.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to mix things up with some substitutions and variations. With a little bit of creativity and experimentation, you might just stumble upon your new favorite tea sandwich combination!
In conclusion, Southern Tea Sandwiches are the perfect addition to any afternoon tea, brunch or light lunch. They’re easy to make ahead of time and perfect for storing and reheating. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start making some delicious Southern Tea Sandwiches today!
Southern Tea Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled,seeded and grated
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 -5 dashes Tabasco sauce
- 1 dash salt
- green food coloring
Instructions
- Wrap cucumber in thin, clean dishtowel and squeeze out as much juice as possible.
- Discard juice.
- Mash cream cheese with a fork until smooth.
- Add cucumber and mix.
- Wrap grated onion in another clean dishtowel and squeeze juice INTO cream cheese, then discard grated onion.
- Mix mayonnaise and Tabasco into cream cheese mixture.
- Season with salt and add 1 drop green food coloring.
- Mix well.
- Cut crusts off very thin white or rye bread, then spread one side with cream cheese mixture, topping with another slice.
- Cut into finger sandwiches.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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