Description
These Irresistibly Elegant Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches are a perfect blend of creamy horseradish-spiked cream cheese, fresh herbs, and delicate smoked salmon on thin rye or pumpernickel bread. Light, flavorful, and beautifully presented, they make an ideal appetizer or party snack that’s quick to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Sandwich Spread
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 114g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp (30g) prepared horseradish
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) + ½ tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp capers, drained and finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
Sandwich Assembly
- 6 slices thin rye or pumpernickel bread
- 8 oz (227g) smoked salmon
- 2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced into ¼-inch strips or rounds
Instructions
- Make the sandwich spread. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sliced scallion, chopped capers, and chopped dill. Stir together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Prep the bread. Lay out the 6 slices of thin rye or pumpernickel bread on a cutting board. If you prefer crust-free sandwiches, wait to trim the crusts after assembling for the neatest edges.
- Spread and layer. Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture over all the bread slices, spreading right to the edges to ensure full coverage.
- Finish assembling. Arrange the thin cucumber slices in a single layer on three of the bread slices, pressing lightly so they adhere to the cream cheese. Drape ribbons of smoked salmon over the cucumber, slightly overlapping to cover the surface. Top each with the remaining cream-cheese-coated bread slices, spread-side down. Gently press to seal the sandwiches.
- Trim and slice. Use a long serrated knife to trim off the crusts from each sandwich, then cut each sandwich into four rectangles or three neat finger-sized pieces. Wipe the knife blade between cuts for clean slices.
- Chill and serve. Transfer the sandwiches to a platter. Cover them with a barely damp paper towel and plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra fresh dill just before serving.
Notes
- For the freshest flavor, prepare the sandwiches the same day you plan to serve them.
- Using thinly sliced bread ensures light, delicate sandwiches perfect for tea parties or elegant gatherings.
- If you prefer a milder horseradish flavor, reduce the quantity slightly to suit your taste.
- Crusting the edges after assembling helps keep the sandwiches neat and easy to handle.
- Refrigeration helps the flavors meld and makes the sandwiches easier to slice cleanly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
