Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

You’ll love Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches for their fresh flavors and delightful textures. These sandwiches are a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and herbal goodness. Not only are they a tasty treat, but they also offer some health benefits. They are low in calories and can be diabetic-friendly, making them a smart choice for parties, picnics, or even a light lunch at home. With their ease of preparation, they’re also great for meal prep. You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge, saving time on busy days.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One of the best reasons to try Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches is that they are a healthier snack or light meal option. With their fresh ingredients, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free. The combination of cucumbers and basil provides vitamins and minerals while keeping the calorie count low. Being a good choice for weight loss, these sandwiches deliver satisfaction without compromising your diet. They are also a lighter option for afternoon gatherings or a quick snack that won’t weigh you down, making them a perfect fit for your healthy lifestyle.

How to Make Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

Equipment Needed

Electric mixer
Mixing bowl
Large round cookie or biscuit cutter
Plastic wrap
Cutting board
Knife

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons half-and-half
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
12 slices rye bread
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
24 leaves fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by beating the cream cheese with the half-and-half in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to make the mixture smooth and easy to spread.
Stir in the chopped chives for added flavor.
Next, take your large round cookie cutter and cut 24 rounds out of the slices of rye bread.
Spread each round with the cream cheese mixture generously.
Top each canape with 1 or 2 thin cucumber slices and add a basil leaf on top.
If you’re making these sandwiches ahead of time, cover them lightly with plastic wrap and chill them until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

These delicious sandwiches are perfect for serving at your next gathering. To ensure portion control and keep them fresh, serve them on a platter and provide toothpicks for easy serving. They are delightful on their own or paired with a side salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a heart-healthy option, you might consider adding a simple side of cherry tomatoes or a light vinaigrette salad to complement the sandwiches.

Storage & Freezing: Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

For best results, store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These sandwiches can last for up to three days when stored correctly. If you plan to make them in advance as part of your meal prep, wait to add the cucumbers until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Unfortunately, freezing them is not recommended, as the texture of the bread and the fresh ingredients may not hold up well after being frozen.

Serving Suggestions

For a balanced meal, pair Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches with a light vegetable soup or a side of whole-grain crackers. This will keep your meal filled with fiber and protein while ensuring that it remains low in calories. Adding a refreshing drink, like iced herbal tea or water infused with lemon and mint, can further elevate this meal.

Variations

Healthier Version

For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. This substitution will save calories while maintaining the creamy texture and delicious flavor.

High-Protein or Low-Carb Version

To increase the protein content while keeping it low-carb, you can replace the rye bread with slices of zucchini or bell pepper. Spread the cream cheese mixture directly on the vegetables, creating a nutritious, high-protein canape that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet.

Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Version

While this recipe typically doesn’t use an air fryer or oven, you can create a baked version by topping thin slices of whole-grain bread with the cream cheese mixture, cucumbers, and basil, then baking them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is warm.

FAQs

1. Are Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches suitable for diabetic diets?

Yes, this recipe is diabetic-friendly! The key ingredients—cucumbers and fresh basil—are low in sugar and calories, making this sandwich a healthy option.

2. How do I store leftover tea sandwiches?

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their freshness, avoid adding cucumbers until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make these sandwiches in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches are ideal for meal prep. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making your hosting duties much easier.

4. Are there gluten-free options available for this sandwich?

Yes! You can easily make these tea sandwiches gluten-free by using gluten-free bread instead of rye bread. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of this recipe.

Make-Ahead Tips for Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

If you’re planning to serve these sandwiches at a gathering, they’re a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and cut the bread a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the sandwiches with the cucumber slices and basil leaves. This preparation saves you time and ensures that everything is fresh for your guests. Additionally, you can create a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for quick, healthy snacks throughout the week.

In summary, Christa’s Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, healthy option. Low in calories and diabetic-friendly, they are perfect for casual gatherings or your daily meal prep. With a variety of recipes and serving suggestions, this classic dish can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just looking for a quick, satisfying snack, these sandwiches are sure to please. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful flavors that come with every bite!

Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches

A delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and herbal flavors, these Cucumber Basil Tea Sandwiches are perfect for gatherings or as a light meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings: 12 sandwiches

Course: Light Meal, Snack

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Mixture

1 package 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
2 tablespoons half-and-half Can be substituted with milk for a lighter mixture.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Freshly chopped for the best flavor.

Sandwich Components

12 slices rye bread Can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
1 whole English cucumber, thinly sliced Make sure to slice thinly to fit on sandwiches.
24 leaves fresh basil Use fresh for the best taste.

Method

Preparation

Beat the cream cheese with the half-and-half in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until smooth.
Stir in the chopped chives for added flavor.
Cut 24 rounds out of the slices of rye bread using a large round cookie cutter.
Spread each round generously with the cream cheese mixture.
Top each canape with 1 or 2 thin cucumber slices and add a basil leaf on top.
If making ahead, cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

For best results, wait to add cucumbers until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.