Ricotta cheese and chives are combined to make a flavourful spread that is topped with crisp cucumber slices. Served open-faced, these Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a unique spin on a classic afternoon tea sandwich.
Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
A cucumber sandwich is a popular finger food to serve during an afternoon tea service. Typically, it is made with butter or cream cheese.
However, for a delicious twist, this recipe uses ricotta cheese instead. Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are light and refreshing with a bite of chives, hint of citrus and a crunch of cucumber.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Instead of butter or cream cheese, soft ricotta is used for a light and airy texture and taste.
- The open-faced look adds to the presentation, allowing guests to eat with their eyes first.
- Awesome addition to the menu at tea time or other gatherings (i.e. baby showers, bridal showers, etc.)
- This recipe comes together in minutes!
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Keep the sliced bread simple so the ricotta spread and cucumbers can be the stars. Use thin white or whole wheat.
- Ricotta: Be sure to drain your soft ricotta, if necessary. You can also try making your own ricotta by following this recipe.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are best for tea sandwiches as the taste is less bitter and their seeds are quite small making it easier to eat.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives will offer a nice, mild onion-like taste.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a brightness to the cucumber sandwich!
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Open-Faced Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full measurements and directions.
In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon juice, chives and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Spread the ricotta mixture on both slices of bread. Using a sharp knife, remove the crust and cut the bread in half, into even rectangles or triangles.
Wash and thinly slice the English cucumber into rounds. Pat the cucumber slices down with a paper towel to remove some excess moisture.
Layer the cucumber slices on each rectangle or triangle shaped bread slice. Sprinkle the open-faced tea sandwiches with more fresh chives and salt to taste. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
These finger sandwiches can be served with other sandwiches, like Tuna Salad or Carrot Ginger, to offer more variety at tea time.
For a full tea service, don’t forget the scones! Add a sweet scone option like Wild Blueberry Chocolate Scones and/or a savoury scone option like Cheddar Chive Scones.
For more afternoon tea related recipes, check out my eBook: The Afternoon Tea Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cucumber sandwiches be made the day before?
The ricotta mixture can be made the day before and stored in the fridge covered. However, the cucumbers shouldn’t be sliced until ready to use as you don’t want them to lose their refreshing crunch.
Also, to avoid a soggy sandwich you should not assemble the cucumber sandwiches until you are ready to serve them.
How do you keep cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy?
As stated above, do not assemble the sandwiches in advance as the bread will get soggy from the spread and cucumber moisture.
Also, using English cucumbers is recommended because they are less watery than other types of cucumbers. I still recommend patting the cucumber slices down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, too.
Should I peel cucumbers for a cucumber sandwich?
No, peeling is not necessary. The pop of green adds to the presentation!
Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 slices of thin bread
- ⅓ English cucumber
- ¼ cup ricotta
- 2 teaspoons chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon juice, chives and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the ricotta mixture on both slices of bread. Using a sharp knife, remove the crust and cut the bread in half, into even rectangles or triangles.
- Wash and thinly slice the English cucumber into rounds. Pat the cucumber slices down with a paper towel to remove some excess moisture.
- Layer the cucumber slices on each rectangle or triangle shaped bread slice.
- Sprinkle the open-faced tea sandwiches with more fresh chives and salt to taste.
Save this Ricotta Cucumber Tea Sandwiches recipe on Pinterest so you can make it later. Click here and pin it!
