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    Home » Easy Recipes » Three Ingredient Recipes

    Cucumber Appetizer

    Published: Apr 29, 2023 · Modified: Nov 22, 2023 by Susan Moncrieff · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I have tried tons of appetizers, and this cucumber sandwich appetizer is still one of my favorites to serve. This recipe is easy to make, it is inexpensive, and it's quick to put together.

    Plus, the fresh cucumber slices are refreshing and look pretty. What more could someone want from an appetizer?

    cucumber appetizer on rye cocktail bread topped with herbs

    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.

    Whenever a finger food appetizer is appropriate, these appetizer cucumber sandwiches get devoured.  I've brought them to book club and seen them at bunko get-togethers.  It doesn't need to be a fancy event.  Everyone loves the flavor and the ease of eating them. Plus, aren't these little appetizer cucumber sandwiches pretty?

    cucumber appetizers garnished with herbs

    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

    • Why I love serving these
    • Ingredients
    • Tips about English cucumbers
    • Instructions
      • Toppings for cream cheese and cucumber appetizers
    • Other Fresh and Delicious Cold Appetizers
    • FAQ's
    • How to store

    Ingredients

    IMG_9422

    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!).

    chocolate banana muffins
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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.

    seasoned cream cheese in a bowl with english cucumber and bread in the background

    Spread some of the cream cheese mixture on each pumpernickel slice. If you make these cucumber appetizers on bread, find the proper bread!

    seasoned cream cheese spread on 2 inch pumpernickel squares

    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?

    cucumber appetizers garnished with herbs

    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.

    Cucumber appetizer garnished with various herbs

    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.

    chive and seasoned salt garnish on cucumber sandwich

    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!

    dried and fresh dill used as a garnish for cucumber sandwiches

    Other Fresh and Delicious Cold Appetizers

    • Greek seven layer dip with hummus, chopped tomatos, cucumbers, feta and olives
      Greek Seven Layer Dip
    • bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil on a slice of baguette
      Bruschetta with Fresh Basil
    • Greek chopped salsa including cucumber, tomato, olives and feta on a slice of bread.
      Greek Salsa Recipe – A Chopped Mediterranean Dip
    • vegetable dip in the center of raw vegetables
      Onion soup vegetable dip

    FAQ's

    Where do I find the pumpernickel cocktail squares?

    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.

    Do these cucumber appetizers store well?

    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 is perfectly OK). Just let it come to room temperature before using.

    cucumber appetizers
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Cucumber Sandwiches and Appetizers

    A quick, easy and inexpensive appetizer.  The cream cheese spread and cucumbers on a square of pumpernickel bread is delicious and refreshing.  I have never brought any leftovers home (I usually bring extra bread, cream cheese mixture, and sliced cucumbers so I can assemble them if more are needed).
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 20
    Calories: 113Kcal
    Author: Susan Moncrieff

    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

    If you have any leftover seasoned cream cheese, it's also wonderful as a dip!  A little on your favorite veggies (red peppers) is a pretty and handy snack.
    Store in an airtight container, in the fridge. If they are going to be in the fridge for more than a few hours. I place a piece of waxed paper on the sandwiches and a slightly damp paper towel on top.  That way the sandwiches don't get dried out.
    Note they are vegetarian (but not vegan).

    Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)

    Serving: 2g | Calories: 113Kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 252mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
    cucumber appetizers

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    cucumber appetizers topped with fresh herbs on small cocktail squares.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    1. Michelle

      June 19, 2021 at 6:25 pm

      These look really good. My friend Kathy will absolutely love these. I will pass on the link!

      Reply
    2. Marty Walden

      June 15, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      These look delicious! Thanks fir the recipe!

      Reply
    3. Anita Holland

      June 15, 2021 at 12:00 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    4. BK JONES

      November 30, 2018 at 7:52 pm

      What store carry the cocktail bread. I can’t find it in Winn Dixie or Publix.

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        December 01, 2018 at 3:06 pm

        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.

        Reply
    5. pestep81

      August 05, 2015 at 6:23 am

      These look pretty and delicious. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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    I'm Susan! I love sharing easy recipes, especially those that take less than 30 minutes and have less than 5 ingredients. I'm passionate about gardening and creating flower planters. My home is 100 years old and sometimes you will see it in my posts! It was a true fixer upper and I love it!

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