Imagine: delicate finger sandwiches, piled high with savory fillings, nestled amongst scones and sweets on a tiered tray. Afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate, and the sandwiches are no exception.
From classic combinations to unexpected twists, we’ve curated 19 afternoon tea sandwich ideas perfect for impressing your guests (or just treating yourself!).
1. Classic Cucumber
Thin cucumber slices on white bread with a light spread of butter. So simple yet refreshing! The trick is slicing the cucumber paper-thin.
Pat dry the cucumber slices with paper towels to prevent soggy bread. This timeless favorite dates back to Victorian England.
2. Egg Salad With Fresh Dill
Creamy egg salad gets a flavor boost from fresh dill and a touch of Dijon mustard. Mash hard-boiled eggs with mayo for the base.
Add chopped green onions for extra zip. These protein-packed bites are always the first to disappear from the tea tray!
3. Smoked Salmon With Cream Cheese
Luxurious smoked salmon pairs perfectly with tangy cream cheese. Spread cream cheese on pumpernickel or rye bread first.
Top with thin salmon slices and sprinkle with capers or fresh dill. A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich flavors in this elegant tea sandwich.
4. Chicken Curry Salad
Spiced chicken curry salad brings exciting flavors to the tea table. Mix shredded chicken with curry powder, mayo, and raisins for sweetness.
Add chopped celery for crunch. The warm spices and tender chicken create a memorable sandwich that stands out among milder options.
5. Pimento Cheese
Southern charm meets tea time with pimento cheese sandwiches. Grate sharp cheddar and mix with mayo, pimentos, and a dash of hot sauce.
Spread generously between white bread slices. This bright orange filling brings bold flavor and a pop of color to your tea sandwich selection.
6. Watercress And Butter
Peppery watercress creates a sophisticated sandwich with just good butter and salt. Spread room-temperature butter on thinly sliced bread first.
Layer fresh watercress leaves and sprinkle with sea salt. Simple combination highlights the fresh, slightly spicy flavor of the delicate greens.
7. Ham And Brie With Apple
Sweet-tart apple slices balance savory ham and creamy brie in this fancy sandwich. Layer thin ham slices and brie on bread.
Add apple slices and a touch of honey mustard. The contrasting textures and flavors make this sandwich a standout option for special tea gatherings.
8. Roast Beef With Horseradish
Tender roast beef gets a kick from zesty horseradish cream. Mix horseradish with sour cream or mayo for the spread.
Layer with thinly sliced rare roast beef on hearty bread. A few arugula leaves add a peppery note to this robust tea sandwich option.
9. Radish And Herb Butter
Crisp radish slices add crunch and a peppery bite to herb-infused butter. Mix softened butter with chives, parsley, and dill.
Spread on bread and top with paper-thin radish rounds. The pretty pink edges of the radishes make these sandwiches visually stunning on any tea tray.
10. Goat Cheese And Fig Jam
Tangy goat cheese meets sweet fig jam in this crowd-pleasing combination. Spread creamy goat cheese on one bread slice and fig jam on the other.
Press together and cut into shapes. The sweet-savory balance makes these sandwiches perfect for afternoon tea with both sweet and savory elements.
11. Tuna Salad With Capers
Elevate simple tuna salad with briny capers and lemon zest. Mix quality canned tuna with mayo, chopped capers, and fresh herbs.
Add lemon zest for brightness. Upgraded tuna sandwich offers familiar comfort with sophisticated flavors perfect for an afternoon tea spread.
12. Cucumber Mint Cream Cheese
Fresh mint adds a cooling twist to classic cucumber sandwiches. Mix chopped mint into cream cheese before spreading on bread.
Top with thin cucumber slices and a tiny pinch of salt. The mint brings a garden-fresh quality that makes these sandwiches especially refreshing on warm days.
13. Avocado And Microgreens
Creamy avocado makes a modern tea sandwich that’s both pretty and tasty. Mash ripe avocado with lime juice and salt.
Spread on bread and top with delicate microgreens. A light drizzle of olive oil finishes these colorful green sandwiches that bring contemporary flair to traditional tea time.
14. Coronation Chicken
This royal-inspired sandwich features chicken in a curry-mango sauce. Mix cooked chicken with mild curry powder, mango chutney, and mayo.
Add golden raisins and almonds for texture. Created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, this colorful sandwich brings British tradition to your tea party.
15. Herbed Cream Cheese And Carrot
Bright orange carrot ribbons add color and crunch to herbed cream cheese. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons.
Mix cream cheese with chives, dill, and parsley before spreading. They bring garden freshness and visual appeal to any tea sandwich platter.
16. Prosciutto And Melon
Sweet cantaloupe paired with salty prosciutto creates an Italian-inspired tea sandwich. Spread bread lightly with mascarpone or cream cheese first.
Layer with paper-thin prosciutto and ripe melon slices. A few drops of balsamic glaze add a sophisticated finishing touch to this sweet-savory combination.
17. Pear And Blue Cheese
Ripe pear slices balance the bold flavor of blue cheese in this elegant option. Spread soft blue cheese on bread and top with thin pear slices.
Add a drizzle of honey and some chopped walnuts for crunch. The sweet fruit and tangy cheese create a sophisticated flavor profile for special tea occasions.
18. Olive Tapenade
Savory olive spread brings Mediterranean flair to the tea table. Blend black olives with capers, anchovies, and olive oil for authentic tapenade.
Spread on bread and top with thin cucumber or tomato slices. These bold, briny sandwiches offer a nice contrast to milder options in your tea sandwich selection.
19. Hummus And Roasted Red Pepper
Creamy hummus pairs perfectly with sweet roasted peppers in this vegetarian option. Spread hummus generously on bread slices.
Top with strips of jarred roasted red peppers and fresh herbs. Protein-packed sandwiches bring Middle Eastern flavors and bright colors to your afternoon tea spread.