Why My Family’s ‘Weird’ Beach Snack Is Actually The Best

SOUTHERN LIVING – Predict the contents of a Southerner’s jam-packed beach cooler, and you’ve probably got a few of the usual suspects in mind: Pub subs or King’s Hawaiian roll sliders, fresh watermelon, boiled peanuts, and maybe even some fried chicken.

But when my extended family all gathers under our yellow beach umbrella for the Fourth of July, there is another, slightly less-expected addition that we just can’t celebrate without: dozens of tea sandwiches.

The crust-free, white-bread sandwiches stuffed with pimiento cheese, chicken salad, and shrimp salad are ideal for festive lunches and celebratory gatherings, but they’re also surprisingly perfect for the beach—so long as you keep them properly chilled, of course.

Stored in aluminum foil tins with clear plastic lids in the cooler, the sandwiches deliver a ton of flavor in bitty, two-bite stacks. They’re the quintessential grazing food—light, but delicious … read more. 

How To Make Cucumber Tea Sandwiches – SOUTHERN LIVING 

Salting the cucumbers might be an additional step, but reducing the moisture in the cucumbers is oh-so-worth it when you see the results. Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Salt the cucumber slices: In a bowl, toss the cucumber slices with salt. Spread in an even layer onto a clean kitchen towel. Roll up and let stand.
• Step 2. Make cream cheese spread: Stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and lemon zest, along with the dill and chives.
• Step 3. Build cucumber sandwiches: Lay out four slices of bread and coat evenly with 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture. Top evenly with cucumber slices, then the remaining bread. Press down lightly.
• Step 4. Slice for serving: Cut off the crusts, if desired, then cut into triangles or “fingers.”

Serve or wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. source. 

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Variations

To change up these cucumber tea sandwiches, consider these variation ideas:

• Type of bread: While white sandwich bread is a classic choice, you can also make cucumber tea sandwiches with whole grain, rye, pumpernickel, or other types of thinly sliced breads as preferred.
• Veggies: Add sliced avocado, red onions, olives, jalapeños, radishes, or carrot ribbons for additional color, flavor, and texture in the sandwiches.
• Protein: Layer on slices of smoked salmon, roast beef, or turkey for additional protein and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spread for a spicy kick.

Mini Muffuletta Sandwiches – SOUTHERN LIVING