Cucumber Sandwiches

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Some foods are just naturally satisfying, and this open-faced cucumber sandwich is one of them.

A thick slice of crusty bread, spread generously with soft cream cheese mixed with fresh dill and chives, then topped with cool, crisp cucumber rounds. It’s simple, but every bite is fresh and full of flavor.

This is the kind of sandwich I make when I want something quick, but still full of texture — crunchy cucumber, creamy spread, and that chewy bite from rustic bread.

I love it as a light lunch or an afternoon snack, especially on warm days. No fancy tricks, no long list of steps, just good ingredients put together in the easiest way possible. It looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better.

Table of Contents

Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

Ingredients

1 slice of rustic white bread or sourdough bread (thick cut)
6-8 slices of fresh cucumber (cut into medium-thick rounds)
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by slicing the cucumber into evenly thick, round slices. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Take one thick slice of rustic or sourdough bread and spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the entire surface, ensuring the edges are also covered.
Arrange the cucumber slices neatly on top of the cream cheese layer, slightly overlapping them to fully cover the bread.
Lightly press the cucumber slices down so they stick firmly to the cream cheese.
Optional: Sprinkle a tiny bit of salt and pepper over the cucumbers if desired.
Place the sandwich on a wooden board or plate and serve immediately while the bread is still fresh and slightly crusty.

Helpful Tips For Making Cucumber Sandwiches

Making cucumber sandwiches is super easy, but a few simple tips can help you make them even better:

Use fresh, firm cucumbers so they stay crunchy after slicing.
Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the bread to seal it and help keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Slice the bread thick enough so it holds the toppings without falling apart.
Chill the spread and cucumbers before assembling for a cooler, more refreshing sandwich.
Serve the sandwiches soon after making them for the best taste and texture.

Substitutions For Ingredients

If you need to switch things up based on what you have at home, here are a few easy swaps:

Swap rustic bread with whole grain bread, rye bread, or any thick-sliced bread you like.
Instead of cream cheese, you can use labneh, strained Greek yogurt, or a soft spreadable cheese.
Replace dill with fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint for a different flavor.
If you don’t have chives, finely sliced green onions work well too.
Add thinly sliced radishes along with the cucumber for extra crunch and a peppery taste.

Can You Make Cucumber Sandwiches Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead, but it’s best to enjoy them the same day. If you want to make them earlier, try assembling them a few hours before serving.

Keep them covered in the fridge, but don’t make them too far in advance or they might lose their fresh texture.

How To Keep Cucumber Sandwiches From Getting Soggy?

No one likes a soggy sandwich, so here’s how to keep them crisp:

Dry the cucumber slices well before adding them to the bread.
Use a thicker spread of cream cheese mixture as a barrier between the bread and cucumber.
Only use firm, fresh bread that can handle a bit of moisture.
If possible, assemble the sandwiches close to serving time.

What To Serve With Cucumber Sandwiches?

These sandwiches go well with light sides and drinks. Here are some great choices:

Fresh green salad
Tomato soup
Vegetable sticks with hummus
Iced tea or lemonade
A simple fruit salad
Roasted or salted nuts

How To Store Cucumber Sandwiches?

If you need to store leftover sandwiches:

Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.
Eat them within 24 hours for the best texture and taste.
If possible, store the components separately and assemble just before serving next time.