Kentucky Derby Tea Sandwich Trio (Printer-Friendly)

Assorted cucumber, egg salad, and ham sandwiches perfect for elegant Southern gatherings and celebrations.

# What You Need:

→ Cucumber Sandwiches

01 - 6 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
02 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
06 - Pinch of salt and black pepper

→ Egg Salad Sandwiches

07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon chives, minced
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 6 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed

→ Ham Sandwiches

14 - 6 slices rye bread, crusts removed
15 - 3 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
16 - 2 tablespoons Dijon or honey mustard
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer to cold water, peel, and chop finely.
02 - Combine chopped eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Combine cream cheese, butter, dill, salt, and pepper. Spread thinly on white bread slices. Arrange cucumber slices on three slices, top with remaining bread, press gently, and cut into finger sandwiches.
04 - Spread butter on rye bread slices. Apply mustard over butter on three slices, top with ham and parsley, cover with remaining bread, press gently, and cut into finger sandwiches.
05 - Spread egg salad evenly over whole wheat bread slices, top with remaining bread, press gently, and cut into finger sandwiches.
06 - Arrange all sandwiches on a serving platter. Cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap until serving to maintain freshness.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These sandwiches feel elegant and impressive but take barely half an hour to pull together, which means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stressed in the kitchen.
  • Making three different fillings means everyone finds something they love, and there's a natural beauty to that variety sitting together on one platter.
  • They hold up beautifully for hours when covered properly, so you can assemble them in the morning and let them chill until party time.
02 -
  • Remove your bread crusts before assembling, not after—it's faster, cleaner, and you won't accidentally tear the delicate sandwiches trying to saw off stubborn crusts at the end.
  • Soggy cucumber sandwiches happen when the cream cheese and butter spread isn't thick enough to act as a moisture barrier; don't be shy with that mixture.
  • If you're making these more than a few hours ahead, keep the layers separate and assemble closer to serving time, especially the cucumber ones.
03 -
  • Softened butter and cream cheese are non-negotiable—they should be the consistency of soft frosting so they spread thin without tearing bread; leave them on the counter for fifteen minutes before starting.
  • A sharp knife changes everything with these delicate sandwiches; a dull one squishes bread instead of cutting, so use your sharpest blade or invest in a good serrated knife for this exact purpose.
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