Classic cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and dill are a vintage favorite. Fresh, simple to assemble, and perfect for spring gatherings, brunch or afternoon tea.
Wash and thinly slice 1 medium English cucumber (you can peel it if you prefer).
Sprinkle lightly with a few pinches of salt and let sit on paper towels for 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry, using extra paper towels.
Prepare the spread:
Mix 7 ounces cream cheese with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, a dash of salt, black pepper to taste, a few drops of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds, if using. Taste and adjust. Don't overdo it with the lemon juice from the start; you can always add more.
Assemble the sandwiches:
Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on 4 slices whole wheat or white sandwich bread.
Arrange the cucumbers on the slice of bread in two layers, in a crisscross pattern.
Place the first layer horizontally on the slice of bread, and the second vertically or however you like.
Top with the remaining slices of bread, cream cheese side down.
Notes
You can use other types of cucumbers.Type of bread: You can use store-bought or homemade. This whole wheat loaf is perfect if you want a more rustic look, or go for the classic white sandwich bread, which is more traditional. You can buy one from a good bakery and call it a day.This is not the recipe to make too far ahead, as the ingredients might moisten the bread too much. You don't want soggy sandwiches.