Salmon and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

By
Lindsey Goodwin
Lindsey Goodwin
Lindsey Goodwin is a food writer and tea consultant with more than 12 years of experience exploring tea production and culture.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/2/21
Salmon and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 36 servings

Cream cheese and smoked salmon have traditionally been a favorite topping for bagels, but this combination can also make a wonderful filling for finger sandwiches. This recipe is a quick and easy addition to any afternoon tea party or light lunch and makes enough sandwiches for a crowd when served with other offerings.

These finger sandwiches use buttermilk white bread, but if you want to go a more traditional route, consider using pumpernickel; you can also substitute whole wheat or even your favorite gluten-free bread. Dill has always been a complementary herb to salmon, so feel free to swap it in for the parsley, and if you would like, use fresh herbs instead of dried. An alternative, attractive way to serve these sandwiches is open faced, which also cuts down on the bread.

Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have several health benefits, and these little sandwiches can be a fun way of including the healthy fish in your diet. However, be aware that cold-smoked salmon is high in sodium.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf white bread (such as buttermilk bread)

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (1/2 brick), softened

  • 1/2 pound smoked salmon (nova), thinly sliced

  • Lemon juice, to taste

  • Dried parsley, to taste

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Salmon and cream cheese tea sandwiches ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Spread all of the slices of bread evenly with the cream cheese.

    Bread with cream cheese spread

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Cover one side of the sandwich with slices of salmon.

    Cover one side of the sandwich with slices of salmon

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Season with the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.

    Season the sandwiches with the lemon juice and parsley

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Put the slices together and cut off the crusts.

    Put the slices together and cut off the crusts

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Slice the sandwich diagonally twice to create 4 triangle finger sandwiches.

    Salmon and cream cheese tea sandwiches, sliced into pieces

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tips

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened before spreading on the bread or else it will tear the bread apart.
  • These sandwiches are best made close to the time when they will be served. While you can refrigerate them for a couple of hours, the bread can begin to dry out, and they won't be as satisfying. If you are preparing in advance, place them closely together layered on a sheet pan and wrap well with plastic wrap to retain the moisture. Store in the refrigerator.
  • You can set these out with other types of finger sandwiches on a tea tray or tiered stand. They look best when they are placed in alternating directions, with some of the sandwiches with the tips up, while others rest at right angles.
  • If you want to create a traditional afternoon tea menu, include finger sandwiches with scones, marmalade, lemon curd, and herbed butter. The favorite teas to serve include black teas like Earl Grey and Assam. Be sure to ask your guests for preferences, as some may want herbal teas like chamomile and mint.

How Many Finger Sandwiches per Person for an Afternoon Tea?

Plan on serving four finger (tea) sandwiches per person for your afternoon tea.

What Are the Top Traditional Finger Sandwiches for Afternoon Tea?

Top afternoon tea finger sandwiches are smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, chicken salad, watercress-egg salad, roast beef and horseradish, and ham and cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
75 Calories
2g Fat
11g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36
Amount per serving
Calories 75
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 247mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 43mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)