These crisp cucumber and radish tea sandwiches are a refreshing, light snack that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or afternoon gatherings.
Made with creamy non-dairy Boursin, they’re naturally plant-based, high in fiber, and packed with protein from the cheese alternative.
Quick to assemble and low in saturated fat, they’re an easy, satisfying choice for everyday cooking or meal prep.
10-Minute Cucumber Radish Tea Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 butter knife or spatula
- 1 plate for assembling
Ingredients
- 8 slices pumpernickel bread crusts removed
- 6 ounces non-dairy Boursin cheese softened
- 2 radishes thinly sliced
- ⅓ English cucumber thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workstation: Start by setting up a clean, flat work surface. Lay down a cutting board and have all your ingredients within easy reach. This helps you assemble the sandwiches efficiently and keeps your kitchen organized. Keep a sharp knife ready for slicing the bread, radishes, and cucumber evenly.
- Trim and Slice the Bread: Take your pumpernickel bread and carefully remove the crusts. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges, which will make the sandwiches look neat and uniform. After trimming, set the slices aside on your cutting board, ready for spreading the cheese.
- Soften and Spread the Cheese: Next, take the non-dairy Boursin cheese and ensure it’s softened to room temperature. This makes spreading easier and prevents tearing the bread.Using a butter knife or small spatula, evenly spread a generous layer of the Boursin over each bread slice. Cover every corner so each bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Prepare the Radishes: Wash and pat dry your radishes. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the radishes as thinly as possible. Thin slices create a delicate crunch without overwhelming the bread, allowing the flavor of the cheese to shine. Lay the slices in a single layer on half of the bread slices.
- Slice the Cucumber: Wash the English cucumber thoroughly. Cut ⅓ of it into very thin slices, similar in thickness to the radishes. Arrange the cucumber slices over the radish layer, slightly overlapping for a balanced look. This adds a refreshing crispness to the sandwiches.
- Season the Vegetables: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper over the radish and cucumber layers. Seasoning at this stage enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and complements the creamy Boursin.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Carefully place the remaining bread slices, cheese side down, on top of the prepared layers of radish and cucumber. Press gently but firmly to ensure the layers stick together without squashing the vegetables.
- Cut into Triangles: Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich diagonally into two triangles. Cutting diagonally makes them look elegant and perfect for serving at brunch, tea time, or casual gatherings.
- Arrange for Serving: Place the sandwiches on a serving plate, layering them if desired to create a beautiful presentation. They are now ready to serve immediately or store briefly in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- For best results, use thinly sliced vegetables to maintain a delicate texture and avoid overpowering the bread or cheese.
- Softening the non-dairy Boursin at room temperature ensures easy spreading and prevents tearing the bread.
- Pumpernickel bread works beautifully for its subtle sweetness, but you can substitute rye or whole-grain bread if desired.
- These sandwiches are best eaten the same day they are made but can be stored briefly in the fridge.
- Adjust the seasoning carefully—radishes have a natural peppery bite, so a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper is usually sufficient.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Sandwiches
Creating flawless cucumber and radish tea sandwiches is all about preparation and balance.
Always slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even layering and consistent bites.
Softening the Boursin at room temperature enhances its creamy texture, making spreading effortless and preventing the bread from tearing.
Using a sharp knife for bread and vegetables results in clean, attractive edges that elevate the sandwich presentation.
Additionally, don’t overstuff the sandwiches; a modest layer of radish and cucumber allows the flavors to remain light and refreshing, which is especially important for an elegant tea or brunch setting.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Meals
These sandwiches are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings.
Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea or on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs for brunch.
Pair with lightly dressed salad greens, a crisp sparkling water, or a delicate herbal tea to complement the fresh flavors.
For a more substantial snack, serve alongside roasted chickpeas, olives, or a small bowl of fruit.
They also make a charming addition to a picnic or casual lunch box, offering a light yet satisfying bite.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To store, place the sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They are best enjoyed within 6–8 hours to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the integrity of the bread.
Avoid freezing, as this can make the bread soggy and the vegetables lose their texture.
If preparing in advance, store the bread and filling separately and assemble just before serving.
This ensures the sandwiches remain visually appealing and retain their delicate, refreshing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other breads instead of pumpernickel?
Yes! Rye, whole-grain, or sourdough are excellent alternatives. Choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to cut neatly.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. Using non-dairy Boursin makes the sandwiches fully plant-based while still providing creamy richness.
3. How thin should the radishes and cucumbers be sliced?
Aim for paper-thin slices, ideally 1–2 mm thick. Thin slices prevent overwhelming the bread and allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.
4. Can these sandwiches be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
5. What other seasonings or additions work well?
A touch of fresh dill, chives, or lemon zest can enhance the flavor without overpowering the delicate vegetables. Keep additions light for optimal taste balance.
