From bridal showers to Mother's Day celebrations to cozy afternoon teas, there's something special about serving a tray of dainty, flavourful sandwiches.
This collection of tea sandwich recipes includes my personal favourites along with tasty sandwich ideas from fellow food bloggers.

These tea sandwich recipes have been thoughtfully selected for their balance of flavour, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
I've included timeless classics like cucumber and smoked salmon as well as fun, creative twists like pimento cheese and strawberry. Each recipe brings a special pop of flavour to the table.
Pro Tips for Delicious Tea Sandwiches:
- Always use soft, thinly sliced bread. White, whole wheat, rye and Pumpernickel are all good options.
- Trim crusts for a more elegant presentation.
- Don't overfill your sandwiches, or they won't cut nicely.
- Always serve your sandwiches at room temperature.
- If you're making your sandwiches ahead of an event, wrap them in wax paper and place them under a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
What Tea to Serve with Tea Sandwiches
No afternoon tea is complete without a warm pot of freshly brewed tea.
Classic black teas like Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Orange Pekoe or English Breakfast are always a hit with savoury sandwiches, while herbal blends like chamomile or mint pair nicely with lighter or vegetarian options.
If you're new to brewing tea, check out these helpful guides:
- A Beginner's Guide to Loose Leaf Tea: Learn about different types of tea and how to choose the right one for your taste.
- How to Make Loose Leaf Tea: Step-by-step instructions for brewing a perfect cup.
7 Tea Sandwich Recipes Your Guests Will Love
I love serving these easy tea sandwich recipes at cozy gatherings because they feel elegant but are incredibly simple to make.
Tangy Pimento Cheese
Creamy Cucumber
Savoury Smoked Salmon
Comforting Ham and Cheese
Flavourful Turkey Salad
Fancy Egg Salad
Sweet Strawberry
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan to serve 3 or 4 tea-sized sandwiches per person, depending on your menu. If you're offering a full afternoon tea with scones and sweets, aim for the lower end. If sandwiches are the main feature, plan for a few more.
Classic English tea sandwich fillings include cucumber, egg salad, chicken salad and smoked salmon. These days, you'll also find creative options like hummus with roasted vegetables, baked ham with caramelized onions, and even truffled egg salad.
I hope this collection helps you plan the perfect tea spread! If you try any of these recipes, feel free to tag me on Instagram. I'd love to see what you made!
You can also leave a comment below to let me know which one was your favourite.
This article was originally published in June 2013 and has been updated with additional tea sandwich recipes and helpful tips for making them at home.













Alivia says
Ohh, smoked salmon! These look tasty.