These cucumber appetizers are always a hit! Thinly sliced cucumbers are layered on rye cocktail bread or pumpernickel squares with a seasoned cream cheese spread. Perfect for baby showers, brunches, or book club gatherings, these elegant and easy bites are refreshing, flavorful, and loved by all.
Plus, the fresh cucumber slices are refreshing and look pretty. What more could someone want from an appetizer?
Why I love serving these
These cucumber appetizers are perfect for so many different kinds of get-togethers! They are perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, and brunches (especially Mother's Day brunch). This is a nice two-bite appetizer that everyone loves. If serving a variety of appetizers, this Greek Seven Layer Dip and this traditional Bruschetta with Fresh Basil will hit the spot for both the eyes and the tastebuds.
Everyone loves the flavor and the ease of eating these finger food appetizers. I've brought them to Bunco and book club and they were devoured. If you want the more traditional cucumber sandwiches on white bread, I have those for you too!
These cucumber appetizers let you enjoy the crisp crunch of the cucumbers with the taste of fresh herbs.
Don't you love these herbs as a garnish? Are you looking for other fresh-tasting recipes? Try this asparagus salad with feta cheese.
Table of contents
Ingredients
Thinly Sliced English Cucumbers - they are also known as burpless cucumbers. You don't want to use regular cucumbers because of the seeds.
8 oz block Cream cheese (or Neuchâtel - low cal. cream cheese)
dry Ranch dressing (1 package or 2 Tablespoons if using bulk dry seasoning)
2 - 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
Small square pumpernickel bread (about 2 inches square - not all grocery stores have it - buy it ahead of time!).
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Dill, fresh or dried, chives, or parsley (optional as garnish)
Seasoned Salt (about ½ teaspoon - optional as garnish)
Tips about English cucumbers
If you are using English cucumbers, I leave the skin on. English cucumbers are often called burpless cucumbers. They are the long, skinny cucumbers usually covered in plastic wrap in the grocery store. The seeds are tiny, and the skin is tender.
If you cannot find English/burpless cucumbers, use regular cucumbers, but make sure to peel them. It might be a good idea to let some of the moisture soak into a paper towel before using. I sometimes remove the seeds and place two or three cucumber sliced halves on the bread.
Instructions
To make these sandwiches fancier, slice some of the cucumber's peel down the length.
Slice the cucumbers thin. Two or three thin slices are better than one thick one!
In a small bowl, stir about ⅔ of the ranch dressing package into the cream cheese (or two tablespoons if you have the bulk powdered Ranch dressing). Make sure it's well-mixed. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to blend the flavor if you have time.
Spread some of the cream cheese mixture on each pumpernickel slice. If you make these cucumber appetizers on bread, find the proper bread!
Toppings for cream cheese and cucumber appetizers
There are optional toppings that can be put onto the pumpernickel bread squares. I like to make them look pretty! I did this little platter to show you my favorite garnishes. Aren't they pretty?
Below, on the left, are just the tips of some chives. You don't need many to make a pretty presentation. Beside that is a small parsley leaf.
On the left, below, are some chopped chives. Chives taste like a mild onion if you aren't familiar with them. They are used more for garnish rather than flavor.
To the right is just a quick sprinkle of some seasoned salt. As you can see, it adds a little color and contrast.
My favorite garnish is a little sprig of fresh dill! That's the one below, on the right. It looks so pretty and is so flavorful! If you don't have fresh dill handy, I also use dried dill from my pantry. It's appropriate, especially when you can't grow dill!
Other Fresh and Delicious Cold Appetizers
FAQ's
They are normally in the deli section. I keep my eyes open as to who stocks them and buy the bread squares a few days ahead.
I prepare the cream cheese topping ahead of time (the day before), but do NOT put it onto the bread slices until 2-3 hours ahead of time.
Finished appetizers can be stored in an airtight container, or use some wrap to keep them fresh. Use parchment paper between layers. Place in fridge until serving.
I think the crunch of the cucumber is very refreshing on a cold day. People like to try this is one of those tiny appetizers, then return for more. I usually load another plate to bring along to restock my tray.
Making cucumber sandwich appetizers is a great way to use up some of those cucumbers that are starting to ripen in the garden!!
How to store
If not serving immediately, keep the flavored cream cheese spread separate from the cocktail bread. The cocktail bread will go soggy if it is stored for longer than a few hours.
The cocktail spread will last at least 4-5 days refrigerated in a sealed container (or plastic storage bag). Let sit at room temperature to make spreading easier.
I do not recommend freezing the spread (although freezing the bread alone is perfectly OK). Just let it come to room temperature before using.
Cucumber Sandwiches and Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 large English Cucumbers thinly sliced
- 8 oz Cream cheese or Neuchâtel
- ⅔ package Ranch seasoning or 2 tablespoon if you have Ranch in a container
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise it helps make this spread more spreadable
- 1 package cocktail pumpernickel bread are about 2 inches square - most grocery stores have it
- Dill fresh or dried fresh parsley, or chives or seasoned salt(optional as garnish)
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers. I slice mine thin.
- Stir about ⅔ of the ranch dressing package into the cream cheese. Make sure it's well mixed. If you have time, let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to blend the flavors.
- Spread some of the cream cheese/ranch mixture on each pumpernickel slice.
- Sprinkle dill, chives, or seasoning salt on top of the cucumber as a garnish.
Notes
Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
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Michelle
These look really good. My friend Kathy will absolutely love these. I will pass on the link!
Marty Walden
These look delicious! Thanks fir the recipe!
Anita Holland
Our family are British and this is a very British snack. We all grew up on cucumber sandwiches. My Mom used to say if it was good enough for the queen it was good enough for us. We had it was aromat or chicken salt, which was yum.
BK JONES
What store carry the cocktail bread. I can’t find it in Winn Dixie or Publix.
momcrieff
Many stores do carry it. Sometimes it is in the deli section. If you can't find it in the store, I would ask an employee to help you.
pestep81
These look pretty and delicious. Thanks for sharing!