Hosting a tea party? Elevate your gathering with an array of exquisite tea sandwiches. These bite-sized delights are a cornerstone of any elegant afternoon tea, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This guide provides a range of recipes, catering to various tastes and skill levels, ensuring your tea party is a resounding success.
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches: A Timeless Tea Party Staple
This recipe is the epitome of a traditional tea sandwich, simple yet sophisticated. The key is using high-quality ingredients and a delicate touch.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 slices white bread (thinly sliced is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill (optional)
Instructions:
- Gently pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Arrange the cucumber slices neatly on two slices of bread. Season lightly with salt and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side down.
- Carefully cut the sandwiches into triangles, fingers, or squares using a sharp knife.
Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches: A Hearty and Flavorful Option
Egg salad offers a heartier alternative to cucumber sandwiches, satisfying those with a more substantial appetite.
Ingredients:
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chopped celery
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices white bread (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Combine the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Spread the egg salad evenly over two slices of bread.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side down.
- Cut into your desired shapes.
Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches: An Elegant and Luxurious Choice
For a touch of elegance, smoked salmon tea sandwiches are a luxurious addition to your spread.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (rye or pumpernickel work well)
- 4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Gently mix the softened cream cheese with the lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on two slices of bread.
- Arrange the smoked salmon slices neatly on top of the cream cheese. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Cut into your desired shapes.
What are the best breads to use for tea sandwiches?
The best bread for tea sandwiches is thin-sliced, soft white bread, but you can experiment! Thinly sliced whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel, or even brioche can create interesting flavor combinations depending on your filling. The key is that the bread should not overpower the fillings.
How far in advance can I make tea sandwiches?
Tea sandwiches are best made fresh, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead of time. To prevent them from becoming soggy, assemble them just a few hours before serving and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid making them too far in advance, as the bread may become dry or the fillings may seep.
What are some other fillings for tea sandwiches?
The possibilities are endless! Consider:
- Chicken Salad: Classic and versatile.
- Ham and Cheese: A simple yet satisfying combination.
- Tomato and Basil: Fresh and flavorful.
- Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning: A modern twist on a classic.
- Roast Beef and Horseradish: A sophisticated option.
Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and pay attention to detail when assembling your tea sandwiches. With a little creativity, you can create a delightful array of flavors that will impress your guests and make your tea party a truly memorable occasion.
