Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are small, crustless sandwiches typically served as part of afternoon tea. Ina Garten’s version includes a variety of fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients for a touch of elegance.
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish/ Snack
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
For Cucumber Sandwiches
- White or whole-grain bread – 6 slices, crusts removed
- Cream cheese – ½ cup, softened
- Fresh dill – 1 tbsp, chopped
- Cucumber – 1, thinly sliced
- Salt – to taste
For Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
- Pumpernickel bread – 6 slices, crusts removed
- Smoked salmon – 6 slices
- Cream cheese – ½ cup, softened
- Capers – 1 tbsp, drained
- Fresh dill – for garnish
For Egg Salad Sandwiches
- White or whole-grain bread – 6 slices, crusts removed
- Hard-boiled eggs – 4, peeled and finely chopped
- Mayonnaise – 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Chives – 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Microgreens – for added freshness
- Edible flowers – for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Remove the crusts from all bread slices and cut each slice into two rectangles or triangles. Cover the bread with a damp paper towel to keep it fresh while preparing the fillings.
- Make the Cucumber Sandwiches: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and dill until smooth. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each bread slice. Layer cucumber slices on half of the bread slices, sprinkle with salt, and top with the remaining slices.
- Make the Smoked Salmon Sandwiches: Spread cream cheese on each slice of pumpernickel bread. Add a slice of smoked salmon, and a few capers, and garnish with dill. Place another slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich.
- Make the Egg Salad Sandwiches: In a medium bowl, mix chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined. Spread the egg salad onto half of the bread slices and top with the remaining slices.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.