Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

Okay, let me just say, this spicy cucumber tea sandwich recipe is seriously my jam! Perfect for brunch get-togethers or a chill Netflix binge, the jalapeño kick with the fresh dill makes each bite a party for your taste buds.

To me, my jalapeño cucumber sandwiches are the ideal summer picnic sandwich but also the perfect afternoon snack. The irresistible combination of crisp cucumber and spicy jalapeños is balanced by the cool, creamy, softened cream cheese (not what one usually thinks of when one says “cream cheese”—think more along the lines of a creamy, spreadable version of the stuff).

Dill, lemon juice, and chives add more than just flavor to these low-calorie treats. They add a zesty kick that just might make these your favorite summer sandwich.

Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe Ingredients

• Cucumber: Hydrating and crisp, adds refreshing crunch and low-calorie volume.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Spicy kick with capsaicin for boosted metabolism and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy, adds smooth texture and a touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Dill: Fragrant herb offering an earthy, slightly sweet flavor and antioxidants.
• Chives: Mild onion flavor, adds freshness and contains vitamins A and C.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy citrus that balances flavors and provides vitamin C.
• Whole Grain Bread: Nutritious, fiber-rich base with hearty, nutty taste.

Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of whole grain bread

How to Make this Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, the dill, chives, and lemon juice until smooth. The key to this spread is to mix it well and thoroughly so that there are no lumps and it is uniformly blended.

2. Add the cream cheese to a medium-sized bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed until smooth. Add the finely chopped jalapeño peppers, and stir to mix evenly throughout the cream cheese. Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the flavors at work here.

3. Salt and pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.

4. Generously layer the cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice of whole-grain bread.

5. On half of the bread slices, layer thinly sliced cucumbers in a single layer atop the cream cheese spread.

6. Place the last slices of bread, with the cream cheese facing down, on top of the cucumber-covered slices to complete the sandwich.

7. If you want, you can use a serrated knife to carefully cut off the crusts from the sandwiches.

8. Slice every sandwich into four parts. You can cut them into either squares or triangles, whichever you fancy.

9. Put the pieces of the sandwich on a serving platter.

10. Serve right away, or if necessary, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving so the flavors can meld.

Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl (for mixing ingredients)
2. Hand mixer or mixing spoon (for blending the cream cheese mixture)
3. Cutting board (for slicing cucumber and chopping jalapeño peppers)
4. Chef’s knife (for chopping and slicing)
5. Serrated knife (for cutting sandwiches)
6. Measuring spoons (for measuring dill, chives, and lemon juice)
7. Spatula or butter knife (for spreading cream cheese mixture on bread)
8. Serving platter (for presenting sandwiches)

FAQ

• Q:Is it possible to prepare these sandwiches beforehand? A: Naturally, you can whip up the cream cheese spread and slice the cucumbers well ahead of time. Construct the sandwiches right before serving, though, if you want them to stay fresh and crisp.
• Q:Can fresh dill be substituted? A: Substitutes for fresh dill are available. If you have dried dill, you can substitute it at a rate of 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh dill that’s called for in your recipe. Just know that the flavor will be a little more concentrated.
• Q:Q: What is the best bread to use for this recipe?
  A: Whole grain bread pairs well with all the flavors, but you could also use something like rye, sourdough, or any of your favorite breads.
• Q:Can a low-fat cream cheese even exist?
• Q:How spicy is this recipe? A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by reducing the number of jalapeños or by removing the seeds and membranes, from which the heat mostly emanates.
• Q:Is a gluten-free version possible? A. Yes, you can make these gluten-free by using gluten-free bread instead of whole grain bread.

Jalapeno Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cucumber, thinly sliced: For a milder flavor and texture similar to the kind of cucumber you get in the medley, use zucchini.
Four finely chopped jalapeño peppers: Use finely chopped serrano peppers for a similar heat level; use green bell peppers for a milder version.
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened. Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier spread.
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Substitute fresh basil or parsley for a completely different flavor.
Bread made from whole grains: Of course, if you want a bread with fiber and nutrients, you’re better off with whole grain bread. But most whole grain loaves you find are still fluffy and soft. So if you want a bread with a hearty (and chewy) texture, go with rye.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Cream Cheese Mixture: After you’ve mixed the cream cheese with the herbs and jalapeños, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together more effectively and makes it easier to spread.