This cream cheese sandwich is a simple, classic lunch option that is both refreshing and satisfying. It features a flavorful cream cheese spread seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon, layered with cool, crisp cucumber slices between two pieces of your favorite bread.
The best part is how quickly it comes together. With no cooking required, you can assemble this sandwich in just 10 minutes, making it a wonderful choice for a speedy work-from-home lunch, a light dinner, or a simple snack.
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Sandwich
- No Cooking Required: This recipe is ideal for warm weather or any time you need a meal without turning on the stove.
- Customizable Spread: You can easily change the herbs or add different spices to the cream cheese to suit your taste.
- Quick to Assemble: The entire sandwich comes together in about 10 minutes, making it a great option for a busy day.
Cream Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor. Letting it soften at room temperature makes it much easier to mix.
- Fresh Herbs: A mix of dill, chives, and parsley is a classic combination. You can use any soft herbs you have on hand.
- Bread: Multigrain, whole wheat, or a sturdy white bread are all good choices that hold up well to the spread.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers have thin skin and fewer seeds, making them ideal for slicing without needing to be peeled.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Sandwich
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Spread
First, make sure your cream cheese is softened so it’s easy to mix. In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mix and Taste
Using a fork, mash and stir all the ingredients together. Keep mixing until the spread is smooth and everything is well combined. Give it a taste and decide if it needs a little more salt or a bigger squeeze of lemon.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay your bread slices out. Spread a thick, even layer of the cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice. On two of the slices, arrange the cucumber slices over the spread. Top with the remaining bread slices, spread-side down, and press gently. Cut in half and they are ready to eat.
Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Sandwich
Assembled sandwiches are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cream cheese spread can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Sandwich
- For easy mixing, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before you begin.
- Feel free to use any combination of soft, fresh herbs you enjoy. Basil or cilantro would also work well.
- You can add other thinly sliced vegetables like radishes, tomatoes, or a few leaves of spinach for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute it with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Sandwich?
These sandwiches are great on their own or served with a side of potato chips or a simple green salad.
Cream Cheese Sandwich Recipe FAQs
Can I make the cream cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, the spread can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before spreading.
What other vegetables can I add to this sandwich?
Thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, or a layer of baby spinach are all nice additions that add extra flavor and crunch.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but you can substitute with about 2 teaspoons of a dried herb blend if that’s what you have. Let the spread sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cream Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese softened, 170g
- 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 22ml
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 5ml
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley
- 1 small garlic clove grated
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper or to taste
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- ½ cup thinly sliced English cucumber
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Use a fork or a small spatula to mix everything together until the spread is smooth and uniform.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Lay the four slices of bread on a cutting board.
- Divide the cream cheese spread evenly and apply a generous layer to one side of each bread slice.
- Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer on two of the bread slices, placing them on top of the cream cheese.
- Place the remaining two bread slices on top, cream cheese side down, to complete the sandwiches.
- Gently press down on the sandwiches. If you like, trim the crusts off.
- Cut the sandwiches in half, either diagonally or straight across, and serve immediately.
