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ByStephanie Wilson
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Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches: If you’re hosting an afternoon tea, chances are you’re serving finger sandwiches. And would like to find some easy make-ahead recipes and ideas.
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We’ve gathered some delicious tea sandwich recipes and ideas, including the perennial favorite cucumber finger sandwiches. Along with tea recipes, we have beautiful presentation ideas, too.
In this Post
- Pro Advice On Making Ahead Tea Sandwiches
- Pro Advice for Freezing Tea Sandwiches
- Afternoon Tea Everyday Teapot Pick
- 3 Tier Stands for Tea
- Recipes for Tea Sandwiches
- Hosting an Afternoon Tea
- More Afternoon Tea Posts You May Also Enjoy
Pro Advice On Making Ahead Tea Sandwiches
A recent reader asked for advice on making finger sandwiches before an event or tea party. Here are two pro tips to remember when planning tea sandwiches for an afternoon tea.
Pro Advice: Which Fillings Are Best for Making Tea Sandwiches Ahead?
These tea sandwich filling ideas are smart options when making them ahead:
- Egg salad– make one day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
- Chicken salad or tuna salad– make two days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate
- Smoked salmon with crème fraiche or plain yogurt mixed with sour cream and dill.
Pro Tip: Smoked Salmon
“You can freeze packaged smoked salmon ahead, defrost it in the refrigerator the night before, and cut into smaller slices for sandwiches on the day of the event.”
“The Crème Fraiche can be made ahead or purchased a few days before. The yogurt/sour cream mixture could be made the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerated. You may need to drain some water off the top on the day of the event.”
Pro Tip: Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
The best way to make cucumber finger sandwiches ahead of an event is to slice the cucumbers the day before.
“Cucumbers contain a lot of water, so line a baking sheet with paper towels or a not-fuzzy dishcloth. Lay out the sliced cucumbers in a single layer on the sheet.”
If you fill up the sheet, add another layer of paper towels or a dish towel, then continue laying out cucumbers. Cover the final layer with a paper towel or dish towel. Refrigerate the tray and keep very cold so that the cucumbers don’t wilt. Assemble the finger sandwiches on the day of the event.
Pro Advice: Make Ahead Tea Sandwich Timeline
4 to 5 Days Before the Event:
“We occasionally did finger sandwiches for my 30 year catering company. Fillings were all made ahead (mushroom duxelles, curried egg salad, salmon mousse, no cucumber).”
One Day Before the Event:
“One day before, the sandwiches were made and cut and layered with damp doubled paper towels in a fish bin (or on a sheet pan, and then saran wrapped) and refrigerated.”
Storage for Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches:
“The amount of filling is pretty minuscule so soggy bread was never an issue, and drying out was not an issue because of the paper towels and containers.”
Preferred Bread for Finger Sandwiches:
“We preferred to use Pepperidge Farm thin sliced white andPepperidge Farmthin sliced wheat. You can cut the sandwiches into 4 triangles or 3 bars- for variety.”
Pro Advice for Freezing Tea Sandwiches
Questions on freezing ahead finger sandwiches always come up when planning for weddings, larger afternoon teas, and gatherings.
The Easy Ham and Cheese Tea Sandwich above is a great choice for freezing ahead.
Here are some pro tips on freezing:
“Years in event planning have taught me well that anything that can be done ahead of time is a lifesaver. Especially when it comes to events with details. Like afternoon teas. The good news is, finger sandwiches can be frozen ahead, picking which ones is key.”
Pro Tip 1: Tea Sandwich Fillings that Freeze Well
“There are several sandwiches you can freeze ahead for your tea party, but you must select your fillings carefully. Egg, mayonnaise, or salad dressing-based fillings CAN NOT be frozen successfully.”
Some ideas for fillings that freeze well include:
- Cream cheese and fruit/nut combinations
- Pureed shrimp and butter
- Deviled ham (here is an easy recipe for ham salad)
- Thinly sliced ham, roast beef, or smoked salmon
- Cheese spreads with a butter base instead of a mayonnaise base
Pro Tip 2: Pinwheel Tea Sandwich
Spread the filling on a single slice of bread. Roll each slice like a jelly roll, wrap it tightly in waxed paper, and double wrap it in plastic to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for up to 3 weeks.
On the morning of the party, remove the rolls from the freezer, and thaw just enough to slice into 1/2-inch pinwheel slices with a sharp knife. Place on a serving tray and cover loosely with waxed paper under a slightly dampened tea towel to prevent drying. They will thaw in about an hour.
Pro Tip 3: Freezing the Bread Ahead of Time
Even if you are not freezing the tea sandwiches ahead of time, consider freezing sliced bread alone. Freezing the bread before spreading and trimming makes for easier handling, especially if the bread is very fresh or tender.
Afternoon Tea Everyday Teapot Pick
Best for Everyday Tea
Porcelain Tea Pot
Photo Credit:amazon.com
This is a great teapot for everyday use and comes with a stainless steel infuser.
2 Quart Whistling Tea Kettle - Non-Toxic
A beautiful stovetop teapot with an equally pleasing "whistle" and one I own and have in use, everyday.
Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Temperature Control Presets
Another favorite tea kettle I have in use every day.
3 Tier Stands for Tea
Afternoon Tea wouldn’t quite be the same without a 3-Tier stand. We’ve written about our favorite Afternoon Tea 3-Tier Stands, what to look for, and some ideas on where to get them. Including our standout favorite.
We have more Afternoon Tea ideas listed at our Amazon Store!
Recipes for Tea Sandwiches
Delicious Tea Sandwiches for Your Next Tea Party
Easy Make Ahead Afternoon Tea Sandwiches plus pro tips, afternoon tea sandwich fillings, recipes, presentation ideas and more. Everything you need to know to make tea sandwiches for your next afternoon tea.
1
Radish-Poppyseed Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“These Radish-Poppyseed Tea Sandwiches are a delectable treat. Pictured with English Pea Salad in Phyllo Cups.”
2
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Herb Aïoli
Photo Credit:www.victoriamag.com
“These Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Herb Aïoli are a great addition to your upcoming afternoon tea events.”
3
Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches (Lemon Herb Spread)
Photo Credit:lettucevegout.com
"Experience a burst of freshness with these vegan cucumber sandwiches with lemon and herb cream cheese. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more."
4
Smoked Salmon, Cucumber & Pickled Ginger Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on the 6th of May by enjoying a marvelous menu apropos for royalty."
5
Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"Originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, it is still popular to this day."
6
Blue Cheese-Walnut Finger Sandwiches Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
"The sharp blue cheese pairs perfectly with walnuts and preserves for the perfect sandwich spread."
7
Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.southernladymagazine.com
"Created in the early 1900s by Louisville, Kentucky, restaurateur Jennie Benedict, Benedictine is a cool combination of cream cheese, cucumber, and onion. It makes the perfect spread for simple Benedictine Tea Sandwiches and pays homage to the Kentucky-reared author of The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver. "
8
Prawn Salad Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“Prawn” is a term the "British use to refer to all shrimp as well as to true prawns. Either of these crustaceans will work equally well in these simple, yet tasty, tea sandwiches. Pictured with ourRoast Beef, Tomato & Cheese Tea SandwichesandCucumber & Mint Cream Cheese Pinwheels."
9
Strawberry tea sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.chatelaine.com
“These sandwiches bring together sweet berries, fragrant herbs and creamy cheese in an unforgettable afternoon snack.”
10
Herbed Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.southernladymagazine.com
"Made with garden-fresh ingredients and garnished to perfection, these savory bite-size sandwiches will be the star of a springtime tea."
11
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches
"Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches are a delightful combination of delicate flavors and satisfying textures. A beautiful finger sandwich that can elevate any tea party, brunch, or light dinner. Effortless to make and bursting with flavors of fresh dill and lemon!"
12
Chicken & Bacon Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"These crave-worthy Chicken & Bacon Tea Sandwiches are a wonderful addition to the savories course of your afternoon tea menu."
13
Asparagus, Serrano Ham, and Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“Asparagus, Serrano Ham, and Goat Cheese are perfect for afternoon tea in the springtime.”
14
Corned Beef Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"Corned beef, pickling spices, and marbled rye bread combine to create delicious Corned Beef Tea Sandwiches." Perfect for an Irish Tea.
15
Radish Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Dill Spread
Photo Credit:www.eatingwell.com
“In this radish sandwich recipe with a creamy dill spread, the delicate tea sandwiches are served open-face to show off the pretty sliced radishes on top.”
16
Salmon-Watercress Finger Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“Cream cheese, smoked salmon,watercress leaves,chives, and freshlemon zest give theseSalmon-WatercressFinger Sandwiches plenty of flavor.”
17
Darjeeling-Poached Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"Classic chicken salad sandwiches are given a teatime twist with delicious Darjeeling-Poached Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Darjeeling-Poached Chicken Salad Sandwiches pictured withDeviledTeaEggsandAssam-Vegetable Tartlets."
18
Simple Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches
This simple ham salad recipe is so versatile. When made into tea sandwiches, they are extraordinarily delicious. Layer salad with simple greens, thinly sliced cucumbers, and fresh dill.
19
Curried-Egg Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Photo Credit:www.foodandwine.com
"Cookbook author Martha Hall Foose says that in the early 1960s, The Time Life Picture Cook Book inspired Mississippi ladies to "go exotic" by adding ingredients like curry powder and orange zest to egg-salad tea sandwiches."
20
Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“Fresh strawberries and mandarin oranges add a touch of sweetness to Strawberry–Chicken Salad Sandwiches.”
21
Roasted Chicken Tea Sandwiches with Tarragon-Watercress Aioli
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
“Tarragon-Watercress Aïoli adds a zip of flavor to these Roasted Chicken Tea Sandwiches.”
22
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.bhg.com
"The cucumber sandwich is a tea party staple because it's light yet fancy. In this version, radishes spice up cucumbers on a bed of creamy herbed cheese."
23
Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“Cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs make the filling for this delightful finger food. Add a festive trim with spicy micro-greens.”
24
Viola Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.bhg.com
"Beautify your brunch party with these colorful and dainty cream cheese tea sandwiches."
25
British Tea sandwiches recipe
Photo Credit:www.bbc.co.uk
“These classic sandwiches with a delicious twist are perfect for afternoon tea.”
26
Mosaic Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“Tea sandwiches are back in style! Our Mosaic Sandwiches are colorful updates on the classic finger food that are all flavor and no fuss.”
27
Smoked Turkey with Cranberry Relish Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.victoriamag.com
"Smoked Turkey with Cranberry Relish Tea Sandwiches lend seasonal charm to your afternoon tea savories course."
28
Almond Butter & Currant Jelly Teddy Bears
Photo Credit:teatimemagazine.com
Planning a Children's Tea? Can you imagine the joy sparkling in their eyes when presented with this darling tea sandwich?
29
Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.pinchmeimeating.com
"Asparagus and smoked salmon pinwheels with lemon chive cream cheese are fancy tea sandwiches perfect to serve as appetizers for baby showers, afternoon tea parties, bridal showers, or anywhere you’re serving finger foods! These easy roll ups are served cold – it’s one of my favorite finger sandwich recipes!"
More Finger Sandwich Recipes
- Artichoke Finger Sandwiches
- Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Checkerboard Cheese Sandwiches
- Chicken-Artichoke-Cheese Spread
- Chicken Cashew Mandarin Orange Tea Sandwiches
- Chicken-Cucumber Sandwiches
- Festive Christmas Eve Tea Sandwiches
- Cucumber Watercress Sandwiches
- Cucumber Rye Finger Sandwiches
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Creamy Vegetable Sandwiches
- Cream Cheese and Olive Party Sandwiches
- Curried Chicken Sandwiches
- Curry-Almond Sandwiches
- Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Goat Cheese-Olive Sandwiches
- Mosaic Tea Sandwiches
- Mini-Muffuletta Party Sandwiches
- Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches
- Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
- Tomato and Basil Sandwiches
- Turkey Pesto Sandwiches
- Vegetable Finger Sandwiches
Hosting an Afternoon Tea
If you’re hosting an afternoon tea, be sure to visit our post on “How to Throw an Easy Afternoon Tea Party”
You might also want to check out our post, “How to Serve an Afternoon Tea” for tips on decor, serving tea courses and their order, afternoon tea etiquette… and even how to host a “no-frills” afternoon tea.
RELATED: 15 Beautiful Edible Flowers to Brighten Your Dishes
And if you love British-style afternoon tea, see “Taking Afternoon Tea Like the British” and “Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes.”
More Afternoon Tea Posts You May Also Enjoy
- Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
- Traditional Irish Scones Recipe for Afternoon Tea
- Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea and Recipes
- Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes
- Easy Afternoon Tea Savory Bites: Recipes and Ideas
- Afternoon Tea Scones Recipes
