Mothers Day Tea Sandwiches (Printable)

Delicate finger sandwiches featuring lemon butter, fresh cucumber, and herbs, perfect for elegant gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lemon Butter

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

→ Sandwiches

06 - 12 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
07 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes, optional
09 - 1/4 cup fresh chives or dill, finely chopped, optional
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until light and creamy.
02 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface and spread a generous layer of lemon butter on each slice.
03 - Layer thinly sliced cucumber evenly on half of the buttered bread slices. Add radishes and herbs if using, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Top vegetable-covered slices with remaining bread slices, buttered side down. Press gently to adhere layers together.
05 - Using a sharp knife, trim off crusts if not already removed, then cut each sandwich into 3 neat finger sandwiches or triangles.
06 - Arrange finger sandwiches on a serving platter and cover with a lightly dampened towel until ready to serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lemon butter tastes like sunshine and actually makes people slow down to savor each bite instead of rushing through appetizers.
  • You can make these entirely ahead, which means you're actually relaxed and present when guests arrive instead of panicking in the kitchen.
  • They feel impossibly fancy but require zero cooking skills, just attention and a sharp knife.
02 -
  • Bread crusts need to come off before assembly if you're using store-bought bread, because they'll crack when you cut through them and make everything look ragged instead of refined.
  • The temperature of your butter matters more than you'd expect—if it's too cold it tears the bread, and if it's too warm it gets greasy and won't hold the lemon flavor clearly.
03 -
  • Make your lemon butter the morning of or even the day before, so the flavors have time to meld and soften into something more elegant than bright-and-aggressive.
  • If you want non-vegetarian versions, slip thin smoked salmon or prosciutto between the butter and cucumber layer, and suddenly you have options for everyone at the table.
Return