The Ultimate DIY Savoury Afternoon Tea Sandwich Menu
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Afternoon Tea is one of Britain’s most beloved traditions, and while sweet treats tend to steal the spotlight, it’s the savoury sandwiches that form the heart of the experience. Finger sandwiches are elegant, simple, and packed with flavour perfect for layering your own tiered cake stand at home.

 Step-by-Step Recipes for a Classic British Tea Spread

Afternoon Tea is one of Britain’s most beloved traditions, and while sweet treats tend to steal the spotlight, it’s the savoury sandwiches that form the heart of the experience. Finger sandwiches are elegant, simple, and packed with flavour perfect for layering your own tiered cake stand at home.

Whether you’re planning a cosy garden party or simply want to enjoy a luxurious treat with friends, this guide will walk you through how to make a classic savory Afternoon Tea menu from scratch.

The Classic Afternoon Tea Sandwich Menu

This menu includes:

  1. Cucumber & Cream Cheese with Dill
  2. Smoked Salmon & Lemon Butter
  3. Egg Mayonnaise & Watercress
  4. Ham & Mustard Butter
  5. Coronation Chicken
  6. Cheddar Cheese & Chutney

Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare ahead of time and suitable for serving cold. Just as tradition dictates. Let’s dive in.

1. Cucumber & Cream Cheese with Dill

You’ll need:

  • 1/2 cucumber (peeled)
  • 100g full-fat cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and white pepper
  • Soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)

Instructions:

  1. Peel the cucumber and slice it into very thin rounds. Place the slices on kitchen paper and sprinkle lightly with salt. Leave for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the dill and season lightly with white pepper.
  3. Pat the cucumber dry.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto both slices of bread.
  5. Layer cucumber slices on one slice, then top with the other.

Trim the crusts and cut into neat fingers or triangles.

2. Smoked Salmon & Lemon Butter

You’ll need:

  • 100g smoked salmon
  • 50g unsalted butter (softened)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Black pepper
  • Brown or rye bread (thin sliced)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the butter with lemon zest and a pinch of black pepper.
  2. Spread the lemon butter generously onto the bread.
  3. Lay smoked salmon slices evenly on one slice.
  4. Close with the second slice, trim crusts, and cut to size.
  5. Garnish with dill or capers if desired.

3. Egg Mayonnaise & Watercress

You’ll need:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp good quality mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • A small bunch of watercress (stems removed)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Soft white bread

Instructions:

  1. Boil the eggs for 9 minutes. Cool, peel, and mash with a fork.
  2. Mix with mayonnaise and mustard (if using). Season well.
  3. Spread the mixture onto the bread and top with a few sprigs of watercress.

Assemble, trim, and slice.

4. Ham & Mustard Butter

You’ll need:

  • Good quality ham slices (honey roast or smoked)
  • 50g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp English mustard
  • Soft white or granary bread

Instructions:

  1. Mix mustard into the butter until well combined.
  2. Spread the mustard butter onto the bread.
  3. Layer slices of ham and top with another buttered slice.

Press, trim, and cut.

5. Coronation Chicken

You’ll need:

  • 1 cooked chicken breast (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp mango chutney
  • 1 tsp mild curry powder
  • 1 tbsp sultanas (optional)
  • Salt & pepper
  • Soft white or brown bread

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, chutney, curry powder, and sultanas.
  2. Stir in the shredded chicken and season.

Spread generously on bread, top, and slice.

6. Cheddar Cheese & Chutney

You’ll need:

  • Mature cheddar cheese (sliced or grated)
  • Your favorite chutney (red onion or tomato works well)
  • Brown or granary bread

Instructions:

  1. Spread chutney on one slice of bread.
  2. Layer cheddar cheese evenly.

Top with the second slice, press, trim, and cut.

Tips for the Perfect Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
  • Crusts Off: Always trim crusts neatly for a classic look.
  • Uniform Size: Keep your sandwiches consistent—two fingers wide is standard.
  • Fresh Bread Only: Use soft, fresh bread. Slightly stale or dry bread will ruin the texture.
  • Serve Chilled, Not Cold: Sandwiches should be made fresh and served at room temperature or slightly chilled, not straight from the fridge.
  • Cover with Damp Cloth: If preparing in advance, keep sandwiches moist by covering with a damp (not wet) tea towel and refrigerating.
Serving Suggestions

Serve your sandwiches on a multi-tiered stand with savouries on the bottom tier. Pair with:

  • A pot of strong black tea like Assam or Earl Grey
  • Sparkling elderflower or Champagne
  • Lightly dressed leafy greens or crisps on the side

Afternoon Tea is all about slowing down and enjoying the company of others, and your lovingly crafted sandwiches will absolutely steal the show. With these recipes, you can recreate a quintessential British experience in your own home or garden.

Let the tea steep, the scones warm, and the sandwiches shine.

Need a stunning stand to present your sandwiches? Check out the YCBTREE 3-Tier Afternoon Tea Stand on Amazon for vintage elegance that’s easy to assemble and reuse

Want to make your Afternoon Tea fully plant-based?
 Explore our delicious lineup of vegan sandwich recipes 

just as elegant, flavourful, and easy to make.

👉 Click here for our step-by-step Vegan Afternoon Tea Sandwich guide

Perfect for guests with dietary needs or anyone looking to add variety to their tea spread.

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The Ultimate DIY Savoury Afternoon Tea Sandwich Menu
The Ultimate DIY Savoury Afternoon Tea Sandwich Menu

Afternoon Tea is one of Britain’s most beloved traditions, and while sweet treats tend to steal the spotlight, it’s the savoury sandwiches that form the heart of the experience. Finger sandwiches are elegant, simple, and packed with flavour perfect for layering your own tiered cake stand at home.

Afternoon Tea Theme Garden Party
Afternoon Tea Theme Garden Party
Afternoon Tea Theme Garden Party

You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration

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