We never thought we’d fall in love with something as delicate and dainty as a tea sandwich—but here we are. Our Matcha Cucumber Tea Sandwich is not just pretty to look at, it’s also incredibly refreshing, light, and perfect for those moments when you want a little bite of something fancy. Think garden parties, cozy afternoon teas, or a peaceful solo moment with a good book and a pot of herbal tea.
🌱 A Zen-Inspired Sandwich
It all started with a trip to our favorite Japanese tea shop. We were sipping on a frothy bowl of matcha when inspiration struck—what if we took this beautiful, earthy flavor and turned it into a savory spread? Enter: matcha-infused vegan cream cheese. Paired with crisp cucumber slices and pillowy-soft bread, it’s a sandwich that tastes like calm elegance.
The first time we made these, it was for a spring picnic. And let us tell you—they disappeared in minutes.
🍃 Fresh Tip!
For extra cucumber crunch, salt the slices and let them rest for 10 minutes, then pat dry before assembling. It makes all the difference.
👒 Why We Love Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are kind of underrated, right? They’re light, easy to assemble, and honestly, a little fancy. There’s something really lovely about eating something that feels like it was made to be savored slowly. We love serving these at brunches, baby showers, or just when we’re feeling like putting our pinkies up.
Plus, the matcha cream cheese gives this version a vibrant twist that sets it apart from the classic cucumber sandwich.
🥪 A Vegan Spin on an English Classic
Traditionally, cucumber sandwiches are made with butter or dairy-based cream cheese. But we wanted to keep things 100% plant-based—without sacrificing any of that smooth, creamy texture. So we used our favorite vegan cream cheese and blended in a little culinary-grade matcha for a subtle green tea flavor and a gorgeous pastel color.
It’s soothing, it’s beautiful, and it’s vegan. What’s not to love?
💚 Matcha Moment!
Choose a high-quality culinary matcha—look for a vibrant green color and smooth, grassy aroma for the best flavor.
🌸 Hosting Goals: These Sandwiches Are Made to Impress
These are totally the kind of thing that makes your guests say “Wait, what’s in this?” in the best way possible. We love cutting them into neat little squares or triangles and layering them on a platter with edible flowers or fresh herbs.
They’re an instant crowd-pleaser—and if you’re hosting a vegan afternoon tea, these are a must.
🧊 Chill Before Serving
One of our secrets? Chill the assembled sandwiches for about 30 minutes before serving. It helps the flavors come together and makes them easier to cut cleanly for that perfect tea sandwich look.
🥖 Let’s Talk Bread
The bread you choose really matters here. We like soft white or whole grain bread—something that’s fresh, light, and thinly sliced. Rye or sourdough can overpower the subtle flavors, so we like to keep it simple and elegant.
If you want to get extra bougie, you can even trim off the crusts. (We do it for parties but not always for everyday snacking—we like to keep it real!)
☕ Pair It with Tea, Of Course
We love serving this sandwich with a pot of jasmine green tea or a delicate white tea. The flavors play so well together and give us major spa-day vibes. It’s a perfect midday break that feels a little luxurious—without requiring much effort at all.
💌 Light, Elegant, and Unforgettably Delicious
Whether you’re planning a spring gathering, prepping snacks for a book club meeting, or just need something elegant and easy to brighten up your day, this Matcha Cucumber Tea Sandwich hits the spot. It’s vegan, beautiful, and full of flavor—exactly the kind of recipe we love sharing.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, brew a fresh cup of tea, and enjoy a moment of calm with this delicate, delightful little sandwich. We promise, it’s love at first bite.
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft rye or whole wheat sandwich bread crusts removed
- 1/2 large cucumber thinly sliced
- 100 g vegan cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp culinary matcha powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: extra dill edible flowers
Instructions
- Make the Matcha Cream Cheese: In a small bowl, mix vegan cream cheese with matcha powder, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly green.
- Prepare the Bread: Trim crusts off the bread and slice into triangles or rectangles.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the matcha cream cheese generously on each slice of bread.
- Layer with cucumber slices, slightly overlapping.
- Top with the second piece of bread and press gently.
- Slice into small triangles if not already done.
- Garnish & Serve: Arrange on a serving tray and garnish with extra dill or edible flowers if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate covered for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler for ultra-thin cucumber slices.
- These are best served fresh to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Rye bread adds a pleasant earthiness, but any soft sandwich bread works well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Matcha Cucumber Tea Sandwich
🍞 Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Finger Sandwich?
Absolutely! While a light white or whole wheat tea sandwich bread is traditionally used, you can experiment with gluten-free or multigrain varieties. Just be sure to choose a bread that’s thinly sliced for a delicate texture.
🍵 Is the Matcha Powder Essential for Flavor?
Yes, matcha is what gives this sandwich its unique, fresh, and slightly earthy flavor. However, if you’re not a matcha fan, you can try using a hint of mint or basil for a different yet refreshing twist.
🥒 Can I Substitute or Add Different Vegetables?
Certainly! While crisp cucumber is a key ingredient, you can also add thin slices of radish, avocado, or even a smear of vegan cream cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich.
🌱 Is This Recipe Fully Vegan?
Yes, this elegant tea sandwich is completely vegan, making it perfect for a plant-based lifestyle. All the ingredients, including the bread and matcha, can be found in vegan-friendly versions.
🍋 What Can I Serve with This Matcha Cucumber Tea Sandwich?
Pair it with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or iced matcha latte for a delightful snack. It also works wonderfully as part of an assorted platter of vegan finger foods at a gathering.
🌡️ How Do I Store Leftovers?
For best results, assemble the sandwiches just before serving. If you need to store them, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Enjoy crafting your Matcha Cucumber Tea Sandwich—a fresh and elegant vegan finger sandwich perfect for teatime or any light occasion!
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