If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant snack, this Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe is just the thing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, afternoon tea, or anytime you want something fresh and satisfying without fuss. I love how the cool crunch of cucumber pairs beautifully with the herbaceous cream cheese spread, making every bite feel both refreshing and indulgent.

Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe - Recipe Image — Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives, cucumber tea sandwich, herb cream cheese spread, easy party snacks, light vegetable sandwiches

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

🥄

In the Kitchen

This sandwich is a dream for fans of clean, fresh flavors and those who appreciate a quick, approachable recipe. The cream cheese blend is luxuriously creamy, with dill and chives adding just the right herbal punch without overpowering the cucumber’s natural crispness.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Slicing the cucumber thinly ensures light, moist bites that never sog the bread.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: Trimming the crusts and cutting diagonally creates that classic tea sandwich look and perfect nibbles.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using fresh herbs elevates the cream cheese spread beyond typical spreads.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Ready in minutes and adaptable — you can double it for guests or keep it personal for yourself.

Ingredients at a Glance

To make your Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe shine, focusing on freshness and quality is key. Fresh herbs give the sandwich its signature brightness, and fresh cucumbers with a crisp texture are non-negotiable for that cool crunch.

Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat for creaminess, or low-fat if you want a lighter option, but room temperature is best for easy spreading.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and helps lighten the spread; plain keeps the flavors natural.
Fresh Chives: Look for bright green stalks without wilting to get that fresh oniony kick.
Fresh Dill: The fragrance here is everything — avoid dried to keep the flavor vibrant.
Ground Pepper: Freshly cracked is ideal for a gentle spicy warmth.
Whole-Wheat Bread: Choose a soft, thinly sliced loaf for balanced texture and nutrition.
English Cucumber: Thin-sliced for crunch without excess moisture; these tend to be less bitter with fewer seeds.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe

Step 1 — Make the Cream Cheese Herb Spread

Start by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes if possible; it’ll be soft enough to stir effortlessly. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced fresh chives, chopped dill, and a generous pinch of ground pepper. Stir everything until smooth and creamy — this blend is your flavorful base, so make sure it’s nicely integrated. The yogurt adds a subtle tang that balances the richness, which I’ve found makes the spread more exciting every time.

Step 2 — Prepare and Layer the Cucumbers

Next, grab your English cucumber and slice it paper-thin. A mandoline slicer can help if you have one, providing uniform slices that layer beautifully and don’t overpower the bread. Lay about a third of a cup of these slices on one slice of the bread, which you’ve spread evenly with half the cream cheese mixture. The thin cucumber slices keep the sandwich light and fresh — you’ll appreciate that crisp crunch against the soft bread and creamy spread.

Step 3 — Assemble and Serve

Now, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on the second slice of bread and place it, cream cheese side down, over the cucumber layer. Press gently to help the sandwich hold together. Using a sharp knife, cut off the crusts — this step isn’t just about aesthetics, it also creates a more delicate bite. Finally, slice the sandwich in half diagonally for that classic teatime look. I love this moment: the sandwich feels special without being complicated.

📋

Things to Remember

This Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe is straightforward, but a few tips go a long way toward perfect results every time.

Doneness Cue: Make sure the cream cheese is soft enough to spread easily and the cucumbers are thinly sliced but not mushy.
Temperature Trick: Keep the assembled sandwiches chilled for 10 minutes before serving; this allows flavors to meld and makes cutting neater.
Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the cream cheese spread a day ahead for deeper flavor but assemble the sandwich just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
Common Pitfall: Avoid thick cucumber slices and spreading too much cream cheese, which can overpower the delicate balance of flavors and turn the sandwich too heavy.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I often add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and an extra pinch of fresh herbs right before serving; it enhances the fresh dill and chives in the spread. Sometimes, a dash of lemon zest brightens things up even more, lending a subtle, fragrant pop. These finishing touches transform a humble sandwich into something quite special—perfect for sharing with friends or a solo treat.

Plays Well With

You’ll love pairing this sandwich with a crisp green salad or a bowl of your favorite soup. I like serving it alongside a sparkling lemonade or herbal iced tea to keep the mood light and refreshing. For a bit of crunch contrast, some lightly salted nuts or vegetable crisps work beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a casual weekday snack, stack a few sandwiches on a rustic wooden board. When entertaining, arrange the sandwiches on a pretty platter with edible flowers or fresh sprigs of dill for that wow factor. Using cutlery or toothpicks can help guests eat neatly while adding charm.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the sandwiches in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to one day, though I find the bread can start to soften beyond that. Using a paper towel in the container helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the bread from getting soggy too quickly.

Freezing Tips

This Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe doesn’t freeze well because the cucumbers release water and the bread gets mushy. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it since fresh texture makes all the difference here.

Reheating Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe Without Drying Out

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh or chilled. If you really want to warm it slightly, remove the cucumber slices first and warm the bread briefly in a toaster oven for about 2 minutes, then reassemble. Heating the sandwich as a whole can make the cream cheese separate and the bread soggy, so this trick keeps everything balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker texture and tang that complements the cream cheese nicely.

What’s the best type of cucumber for this sandwich?

English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them sweeter and less watery than regular slicing cucumbers.

Can I add other herbs or flavors to this sandwich?

Absolutely! Fresh mint or tarragon both pair beautifully, adding a unique twist without losing the classic appeal.

Should I toast the bread for this sandwich?

Traditionally, cucumber tea sandwiches use untoasted bread to keep them soft and delicate. Toasting can overwhelm the light flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese, Dill, and Chives Recipe is one of those timeless little treasures I’m always glad to have on hand. Its simple, fresh ingredients come together so effortlessly, making it perfect for both casual lunches and charming gatherings. Once you get the hang of balancing the spread and slicing the cucumber just right, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want something light but satisfying. Give it a try—you'll see how something so simple can be so deliciously refreshing.

Full Printable Recipe