Description
Elegant and light, these tea sandwiches are made with delicate smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and fresh herbs on soft bread. A perfect addition to any afternoon tea or special gathering.
Ingredients
For the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches:
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8 slices of white or whole wheat bread (preferably soft and fresh, with crusts removed)
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4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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½ teaspoon horseradish (optional, for added zest)
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1 tablespoon capers (optional, for garnish)
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Fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
Nutrition
- Calories: 90-120 kcal
- Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 3-5g