Tea Sandwiches Recipe by Barefoot Contessa That’s Effortless and Chic

Tea sandwiches embody culinary refinement with their delicate layers and enchanting flavors.

These miniature marvels transform simple bread into edible art that captivates the senses.

Crafted with precision, each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation.

Gossamer-thin slices become a playground for imaginative ingredient pairings that sing with freshness.

Elegant yet unpretentious, these petite delicacies elevate any social gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.

Steeped in British charm and global influences, tea sandwiches offer a sophisticated symphony of textures and tastes.

Charm your guests with these irresistible morsels that promise to spark conversation and delight.

Sandwich Assembly Guide for Tea Parties

• Prepare Sandwich Base

Grab two slices of soft white bread and spread a generous layer of cream cheese across each slice using a smooth, even motion.

• Layer Cucumber Delights

Top one bread slice with delicate cucumber rounds, ensuring complete coverage for a refreshing crunch that bursts with clean, garden-fresh flavor.

• Spark Flavor Excitement

Enhance the sandwich’s taste profile by sprinkling zesty lemon juice, a whisper of salt, a dash of black pepper, and optional chopped chives to create a symphony of bright, tantalizing notes.

• Craft Elegant Presentation

Carefully place the second cream cheese-coated bread slice on top, then trim the edges to create a sleek, uniform shape. Slice the sandwich diagonally into four perfect triangular pieces that showcase your culinary finesse.

• Multiply Your Masterpiece

Repeat the entire process to create multiple tea sandwiches that will delight and impress your guests with their sophisticated simplicity and irresistible flavor combination.

Tea Sandwich Flavor Tweaks to Try

• Perfect Cucumber Cream Cheese Tea Sandwich Tips & Variations
• Customize Bread Selection: Experiment with different bread types like whole wheat, rye, or sourdough to add unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Boost Herb Combinations: Swap chives with fresh dill, basil, or mint to create exciting taste variations that complement the cucumber's coolness.
• Layer Upgrade Techniques: Add thin slices of smoked salmon, crispy bacon bits, or roasted red peppers for extra gourmet dimensions to your classic tea sandwich.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives or lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb version that maintains the sandwich's delicate essence.

Serving Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

• Pair with Refreshing Drinks: Complement the light cucumber sandwich with chilled herbal tea, sparkling water, or a crisp white wine for a delightful afternoon refreshment.
• Elegant Party Platter: Arrange these tea sandwiches on a beautiful serving tray with small garnishes like fresh herb sprigs or edible flowers to create an impressive appetizer spread for brunches or afternoon tea gatherings.
• Perfect Side Companion: Serve alongside a simple green salad or fresh fruit plate to balance the sandwich's creamy texture and add nutritional variety to your meal.
• Customize with Variations: Experiment by adding thin slices of smoked salmon, swap cream cheese with herb-infused goat cheese, or use different bread types like whole wheat or rye for exciting flavor twists.

Prep Ahead and Store Tea Sandwiches

• Maximize Freshness: Store cucumber tea sandwiches in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to prevent bread from drying out. Refrigerate immediately after preparation to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy edges.
• Optimal Serving Window: Enjoy these delicate sandwiches within 2-3 hours of making for peak flavor and texture. Prepare just before serving to ensure maximum crunchiness and vibrant taste.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Assemble sandwiches up to 4 hours in advance, keeping them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container. Refrigerate at 40°F or below to preserve quality and food safety.
• Quick Preservation Tip: Layer wax paper between sandwich triangles when storing multiple pieces to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 20

Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches: What Goes In

• Soft White Bread: Select fresh, pillowy loaves with a delicate texture that won't crumble when sliced.

• Cream Cheese: Choose a smooth, spreadable variety at room temperature for effortless application.

• Cucumber: Pick firm, bright green cucumbers with minimal seeds for maximum crisp texture.

• Lemon, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Chives: Select bright, zesty lemon, high-quality kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and vibrant green chives to elevate the sandwich's taste profile.

Tools to Make Perfect Tea Sandwiches

• Cutting Board: Clean, flat surface for preparing ingredients.
• Butter Knife: Smooth spreading tool for cream cheese application.
• Sharp Knife: Precise cutting for trimming crusts and creating triangular sandwich pieces.
• Knife Sharpener (optional): Ensures blade remains sharp for clean cuts.

Effortless Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa tea sandwiches offer elegant simplicity for afternoon gatherings. Quick cucumber and cream cheese creations delight guests with classic British-inspired charm.

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Ingredients

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• 20 slices white bread (buttermilk, store-bought)
• 10 oz (1 ¼ cups) cream cheese
• 1 English cucumber
• lemon juice (to taste)
• salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• chopped fresh chives (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lay two bread slices on a clean surface, ensuring precise alignment and smooth positioning.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: Generously spread cream cheese across entire bread surfaces, creating a uniform, edge-to-edge coating that provides a rich, creamy foundation.
3. Cucumber Deployment: Arrange cucumber slices in elegant, overlapping pattern over cream cheese, covering the entire surface with delicate, translucent layers.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle lemon juice across cucumber to brighten taste and prevent oxidation, then season with kosher salt and black pepper for nuanced depth.
5. Optional Garnish: Scatter finely chopped chives over cucumber layer to introduce a subtle, herbaceous complexity and visual intrigue.
6. Sandwich Assembly: Carefully position second bread slice cream cheese-side down, gently pressing to seal the sandwich and create a cohesive structure.
7. Finishing Technique: Trim sandwich crusts using a sharp serrated knife, then slice diagonally into four precise triangular segments, presenting an elegant, refined tea sandwich ready for serving.

Notes

• Chill Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier spreading and smoother texture, preventing tear and uneven coverage on bread.
• Cut Cucumber Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to achieve ultra-thin, uniform cucumber slices that layer smoothly and prevent sandwich sliding.
• Season Strategically: Add salt and pepper sparingly to enhance cucumber flavor without overwhelming the delicate sandwich profile.
• Trim with Care: Use a sharp serrated knife at a 45-degree angle to remove crusts cleanly, ensuring professional-looking presentation and uniform sandwich edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg