Shamrock Shaped Cucumber Sandwiches (Print View)
Festive shamrock-shaped tea sandwiches with crisp cucumber and savory herbed cream cheese, ideal for any gathering.
# Ingredient List:
→ Bread
01 - 12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
→ Filling
02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Vegetables
08 - 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
→ Garnish
09 - Extra chives or parsley leaves (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, finely chopped chives, finely chopped dill, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
02 - Using a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut out shamrock shapes from each of the 12 slices of bread.
03 - Spread a generous, even layer of the prepared herbed cream cheese mixture onto one side of half of the cut shamrock bread pieces.
04 - Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber evenly over the cream cheese spread on the bread pieces.
05 - Place the remaining plain shamrock bread pieces on top of the cucumber-layered bread to form the complete sandwiches.
06 - Gently press down on each sandwich. If desired, garnish with additional fresh chives or parsley leaves for presentation. Serve immediately.
07 - To store, cover the sandwiches with a damp towel and refrigerate until ready to serve, ensuring freshness.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're surprisingly elegant yet incredibly simple to whip up, perfect for unexpected guests.
- The fresh herb and cool cucumber combination is utterly delightful, making you feel like spring has truly arrived.
02 -
- Using softened ingredients for the spread is non-negotiable; cold cream cheese or butter will give you a lumpy, frustrating mess.
- Thinly slicing your cucumber is crucial; thick slices will overpower the delicate sandwich and make it difficult to eat gracefully.
03 -
- To ensure ultra-thin cucumber slices, a mandoline slicer is your secret weapon; just be mindful of your fingertips!
- Don't press too hard when cutting the bread or assembling the sandwiches, or you'll compact the bread and make it dense instead of light and airy.