When it comes to afternoon tea, few things are as quintessential as a well-made sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a classic afternoon tea or looking to elevate a casual get-together, sandwiches serve as the heart of this experience. Though light and bite-sized, they pack a punch of flavour, offering the perfect balance to the sweet treats on your afternoon tea spread. In this blog, we’ll dive into a variety of sandwich ideas suited for afternoon tea, focusing on flavour, practicality, and ease of transport. Plus, I’ll share an inventive sandwich idea that’s sure to become a new favourite for your afternoon tea gatherings.

What Makes a Great Afternoon Tea Sandwich?

Afternoon tea sandwiches are traditionally small, delicate, and easy to eat. They’re often made with soft bread, thinly sliced fillings, and a spread like butter or cream cheese. But there’s more to consider than just the taste. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting sandwiches for afternoon tea:

1. 1. Packability and Ease of Travel: If you’re preparing sandwiches in advance or taking them on the go, you’ll want sandwiches that hold up well over time.

1. 1. Balance of Flavours: With sweet and savoury elements in afternoon tea, the sandwiches should add variety but not overpower the rest of the meal.

1. 1. Simplicity and Effort: While the presentation of afternoon tea may seem fancy, the sandwiches themselves should be relatively easy to assemble without sacrificing taste.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore a variety of sandwich options that will elevate your afternoon tea experience.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches: A Classic Choice

Why It Works: You can’t go wrong with a classic cucumber sandwich. The combination of cool, crisp cucumber with soft white bread and butter makes for a refreshing bite that complements the sweetness of scones and pastries. It’s light, delicate, and travels well when kept cool.

Ingredients:

• • Thinly sliced cucumber

• • Softened butter or cream cheese

• • Soft white bread, crusts removed

• • Salt and pepper

Packability: Medium. While cucumber sandwiches can last for a few hours, they are best kept cool to prevent sogginess. Wrapping them in a damp tea towel helps preserve their freshness when travelling.

2. Egg and Cress: A Savoury Favourite

Why It Works: The richness of the egg paired with the peppery bite of cress makes for a filling, savoury sandwich that’s still light enough to fit into an afternoon tea spread. The creaminess of the egg holds up well in transit, making it a reliable option for packability.

Ingredients:

• • Hard-boiled eggs, mashed

• • Mayonnaise

• • Fresh cress

• • White or wholemeal bread, crusts removed

• • Salt and pepper

Packability: High. Egg and cress sandwiches stay fresh and flavourful for several hours. The filling’s moisture ensures the sandwich remains tasty, but be sure to keep them cool.

3. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: Luxurious and Bold

Why It Works: Smoked salmon adds a luxurious touch to your afternoon tea, offering bold flavours balanced by the creaminess of the cream cheese. Dill or a squeeze of lemon can elevate this further, making it a bit more special. It’s simple to make yet impressive to serve.

Ingredients:

• • Thinly sliced smoked salmon

• • Cream cheese, softened

• • Fresh dill or chives

• • Soft white or wholemeal bread, crusts removed

• • Lemon juice (optional)

Packability: Medium to high. Smoked salmon sandwiches can last a few hours if properly wrapped and kept cool, but be mindful of how long they are left at room temperature.

4. Coronation Chicken: A British Classic with a Twist

Why It Works: This curried chicken filling brings both spice and sweetness, a nod to its historical origins as a celebratory dish for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Coronation chicken offers a more robust flavour than some other traditional tea sandwiches, and its bold flavours make it stand out on any afternoon tea platter.

Ingredients:

• • Cooked chicken, shredded

• • Mayonnaise

• • Curry powder or paste

• • Sultanas or dried apricots (optional)

• • Fresh coriander (optional)

• • White or wholemeal bread, crusts removed

Packability: High. Coronation chicken travels exceptionally well due to its mayonnaise-based filling. It won’t dry out or lose its flavour over time, making it a reliable option for packed afternoon teas.

5. Ham and Mustard: Simple Yet Sharp

Why It Works: Sometimes simplicity is key. Ham and mustard may seem basic, but the sharpness of mustard paired with the savoury saltiness of ham creates a classic flavour combination that cuts through the sweetness of the other afternoon tea treats. It’s easy to make, travels well, and holds up in a variety of conditions.

Ingredients:

• • Thinly sliced ham

• • Dijon or English mustard

• • Soft white or wholemeal bread, crusts removed

• • Butter

Packability: High. The dry nature of ham makes it perfect for travelling, and the mustard adds just enough moisture without making the sandwich soggy.

6. Inventive Idea: Whipped Brie with Apple and Honey

Why It Works: For a creative twist, I recommend whipped brie paired with thinly sliced apples and a drizzle of honey. The creaminess of the brie balances the tartness of the apple, while the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a modern take on afternoon tea sandwiches that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• • Brie, whipped until creamy

• • Thinly sliced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

• • A drizzle of honey

• • Wholemeal or white bread, crusts removed

Packability: Medium. This sandwich is best served fresh, but it can last a couple of hours if kept cool and properly wrapped. The apples may brown slightly, so a spritz of lemon juice will help keep them fresh.

Travel-Friendly Tips for Your Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

Packing your sandwiches correctly ensures they stay fresh and appetising by the time they’re served. Here are a few tips:

• • Use wax paper or parchment paper: Wrapping each sandwich individually in wax or parchment paper helps prevent moisture from making the bread soggy while keeping the fillings in place.

• • Keep them cool: If you’re transporting sandwiches for several hours, place them in an insulated cooler with ice packs to maintain freshness.

• • Assemble closer to serving time: While it’s tempting to make everything ahead, for the best results, try to assemble your sandwiches within a few hours of your tea party. This ensures the bread stays soft and the fillings fresh.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Afternoon Tea Experience

Afternoon tea sandwiches can be as simple or sophisticated as you like. From classic cucumber and smoked salmon to more inventive options like whipped brie and apple, there’s a sandwich to suit every palate. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea party or packing sandwiches for a picnic, choosing fillings that balance flavour and practicality ensures your afternoon tea is a success.

By considering packability, flavour, and ease of preparation, you can create a sandwich spread that not only looks impressive but tastes delicious. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few modern twists alongside your traditional sandwiches for an afternoon tea experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.