Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a sophisticated and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. These delicate finger sandwiches combine creamy, tangy cream cheese with the rich, savory flavor of smoked salmon, all nestled between thin slices of soft, crustless bread. Often served at afternoon teas, brunches, and elegant gatherings, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser that combines texture, flavor, and style.

Whether you’re hosting a formal tea party or preparing snacks for a casual gathering, Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are always a hit. This guide will take you through each step of the process, offer helpful tips for success, and suggest variations to make these sandwiches your own.

Why You’ll Love Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

• Delicate and Flavorful: The rich, smoky flavor of the salmon blends perfectly with the smooth, creamy cream cheese. Each bite offers a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly briny flavors.
• Elegant and Easy to Make: These tea sandwiches have an elegant appeal, making them ideal for any tea party, bridal shower, or high-end gathering. Despite their sophisticated presentation, they are surprisingly easy to make.
• Versatile: You can customize these sandwiches with various garnishes, seasonings, or spreads, making them easy to adjust to your tastes or dietary preferences.
• Simple Ingredients: Using just a few basic ingredients—smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bread—these sandwiches offer impressive flavor without the complexity.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a special event or just want to enjoy a delicious treat, Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal affairs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
• Servings: Approximately 12-16 sandwiches, depending on size and how many pieces you cut each sandwich into.
• Calories per Serving: Around 90-120 calories per sandwich, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 90-120 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• Protein: 3-5g
• Fiber: 0-1g
• Sugar: 1-3g

Ingredients

For the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches:

• 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread (preferably soft and fresh, with crusts removed)
• 4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ teaspoon horseradish (optional, for added zest)
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

Although making Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches doesn’t require complex tools, using a few simple pieces of equipment will help make the process quicker and more efficient:

1. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting clean, even slices of bread and for trimming the crusts off the bread with ease.
2. Spreader or Butter Knife: For spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread, a spreader or butter knife will make the job much smoother.
3. Cutting Board: A flat surface for preparing the sandwiches and cutting them into shapes. A clean, stable cutting board is essential for working with delicate ingredients like smoked salmon.
4. Measuring Spoons: While the measurements for this recipe are straightforward, measuring spoons will help ensure accuracy when adding seasonings like dill, lemon juice, and horseradish.
5. Serving Platter or Tray: To serve your sandwiches in an elegant manner, a well-arranged platter or tray will enhance the overall presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the fresh dill, lemon juice, and horseradish (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The cream cheese forms the base of the sandwich filling, and the fresh dill adds a burst of herbal flavor while the lemon juice adds a tangy freshness. The optional horseradish provides a gentle kick, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and salmon.

2. Trim the Bread

Lay out the slices of bread on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, trim off the crusts to create neat, clean edges. You can keep the crusts for making breadcrumbs or discard them if you prefer. Trimmed bread is a traditional feature of tea sandwiches, giving them a refined, delicate look.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly so that every bite has a good balance of cream cheese. Next, layer a few slices of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them for a full, hearty layer of flavor. You can fold the salmon slices if necessary to fit them on the bread.

Top with a second slice of bread, pressing gently to secure the filling in place. Repeat this process until all the bread and cream cheese mixture is used up.

4. Cut the Sandwiches

Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into small pieces. Classic tea sandwich shapes include triangles, rectangles, or finger-sized pieces, depending on your preference and presentation style. The sandwiches should be bite-sized, easy to pick up with fingers, and elegant to serve.

5. Garnish (Optional)

For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish the sandwiches with a sprinkle of capers or extra fresh dill. Capers give a briny punch that complements the salmon and cream cheese, while dill adds a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a touch of spice and depth to the sandwiches.

6. Serve the Sandwiches

Arrange the sandwiches neatly on a platter, ensuring they are easy to grab and visually appealing. If desired, you can garnish the platter with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an added touch of elegance. These sandwiches can be served immediately or refrigerated for later, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for Perfect Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

• Use Fresh, Soft Bread: Soft, fresh bread is key to a good tea sandwich. If your bread is too stale, the sandwiches won’t have the right texture, and they may be difficult to cut cleanly. Look for bread with a soft, pillowy texture, such as white, whole wheat, or brioche.
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before using it. Cold cream cheese will be too hard to spread smoothly and may create lumps in your filling.
• Don’t Overfill: While it may be tempting to use a lot of cream cheese and smoked salmon, it’s important not to overstuff the sandwiches. A generous but controlled amount of filling ensures the sandwiches are easy to handle and won’t fall apart.
• Chill Before Serving: If you’re making these sandwiches ahead of time, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sandwiches to set. This also makes them easier to cut neatly.
• Customize with Other Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the filling ingredients to suit your tastes. You can add finely chopped red onion for a bit of sharpness or substitute fresh herbs like tarragon or chives for dill.

Variations of Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

• Cucumber and Smoked Salmon: Add thin cucumber slices to the sandwiches for a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and smoky salmon.
• Avocado Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches: Add mashed avocado to the cream cheese mixture for extra creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches: Intensify the citrus flavor by adding lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and topping the sandwiches with a few fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of brightness.
• Bagel-Style Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches: For a unique twist, use mini bagels or bagel chips instead of traditional bread, and add a thin layer of scallion cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches: If you’re catering to non-meat eaters, use a plant-based smoked salmon alternative or substitute the salmon with roasted red peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Storage and Shelf Life

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are best served fresh, but they can be stored for later. If you need to make them ahead of time, store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 1-2 days, but they are best enjoyed within the first day for optimal freshness.

If you have leftover sandwiches, you can freeze them, though the texture of the bread may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Pair these delicate sandwiches with complementary dishes and drinks for a complete tea party or brunch experience:

• Herbal Tea or Green Tea: Light, floral herbal teas or a delicate green tea pair wonderfully with the creamy richness of the sandwiches.
• Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the smoky salmon and creamy filling.
• Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the sandwiches and adds an extra layer of freshness.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve the sandwiches with a side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or onions, for an added tangy contrast.

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Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a delicious and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, smoky flavor, creamy filling, and delicate appearance, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, they’re a must-have for tea parties, brunches, or any special gathering. Whether you serve them on their own or pair them with complementary dishes, Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!