Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

The cucumber sandwich recipe has long been synonymous with afternoon tea. In fact, whenever I think of tea parties, that is one of the first things that comes to mind. Well, that along with crumpets.

Cucumber Sandwich Recipe - My Version

My idea of a sandwich with cucumbers is not quite the way they are normally prepared for a tea, though. I usually toast two slices of whole wheat bread. Spread them with mayonnaise.

Slice an English cucumber. Slice a tomato. Layer on the cucumber slices alternately with the tomato slices. Sprinkle with black pepper and enjoy immediately! The perfect vegetarian meal. Although sometimes I'll add a single slice of turkey lunch meat or a couple slices of cheese on top.

As you can see, my version of the cucumber sandwich recipe is not particularly dainty. And I almost always need at least a few napkins to catch drips from the juicy tomatoes. I suppose the combination would work if it were more carefully prepared.

History of...

The history of this sandwich goes way back to the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. It was more connected to people of upper class who could indulge in such an unsubstantial meal. Lower classes traditionally ate meat with their tea to sustain themselves until the heavier evening meal.

Originally though, the cucumber sandwich dates way back to British colonial times in India.

• Origins

Cucumber sandwiches originated with British colonists in India. The British were looking for ways to cope with the intense heat, and they found that cucumbers, with their refreshing and cooling properties, were a perfect solution. As a result, they began placing thin slices of cucumber between slices of bread, creating the first cucumber sandwiches.

• Victorian Era Popularity

The cucumber sandwich became particularly popular during the Victorian era in England. Afternoon tea, a tradition started by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in 1840, who often featured these dainty little finger sandwiches. The sandwiches were seen as a symbol of elegance and refinement and were often served at high society gatherings and formal tea parties. (Opens in a new window)

• Edwardian Era Peak

During the Edwardian era came the peak of the cucumber sandwich's popularity. Advances in hothouse technology allowed cucumbers to be grown year-round, making them more readily available at any time of the year. The sandwiches became a staple of British high tea and were often associated with the upper classes as mentioned earlier.

• Cultural Significance

Cucumber sandwiches have been referenced in literature and popular culture, most notably in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895). In the play, the character Algernon Moncrieff famously eats all the cucumber sandwiches that were prepared for a guest, Lady Bracknell. Hmmm, that was a little greedy.....

• Modern Day

While the popularity of cucumber sandwiches may have declined, they are still served at traditional afternoon teas, luncheons, and gatherings. They are also still a common sight at cricket matches in England, where they're often enjoyed with malt vinegar and ground pepper.

Cucumber sandwiches are a reminder of the British colonial influence on Indian cuisine and the elegance of Victorian and Edwardian social customs. Even with those beginnings, they continue to be a beloved treat for those who appreciate a light and refreshing snack.

I enjoy them in the summers when I don't want to cook. And especially when I have fresh tomatoes on hand. They fit perfectly into our plant-based lifestyle as well.

How to Make Them

How do you make this sandwich? Typically, it is made using white bread with the crusts removed. Each slice is lightly buttered. The cucumbers are sliced paper thin – so thin you can read a newspaper through them.

The sandwiches are usually cut diagonally into triangles. They are then stacked neatly on a tray to be served with the accompanying tea. Many a tea party serves this dainty sandwich along with small cakes, cookies, or tarts.

The idea is to not have to work at anything, chewing in particular. A bite or two..., a sip of tea..., another bite...wipe the corners of your mouth..., and you're finished. A social occasion not meant to fill you up, with food anyway, company perhaps, but not food.

If you'd like to read more about cucumber sandwiches, click here to go to part 2.

If you'd like to share your cucumber sandwich recipe, use the link below to add it.

A quick word. This page may contain affiliate links. 

ShareFacebookXRedditWhatsAppPinterestTumblr

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

1. Click on the HTML link code below.
2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.