Cucumber on Rye Bread Sandwich Recipe

I never thought much about cucumber sandwiches until I saw my grandmother making them one summer afternoon. She’d always layer thin slices of cucumber on rye bread, while I grew up eating them on plain white bread with mayo.

It turns out there’s a good reason for her choice – rye bread gives these sandwiches a subtle nutty flavor that plain bread just can’t match. And when you pair it with cool, crisp cucumber, you get something that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s the kind of lunch that feels right on a warm day when you don’t want to fuss around in the kitchen.

What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?

English cucumbers are your best bet for this sandwich since they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a more consistent shape that makes them perfect for even slicing. Regular garden cucumbers will work too, but you might want to peel them first since their skin can be a bit bitter and tough. If you’re using regular cucumbers, try to pick ones that are medium-sized and firm – the really large ones tend to have more seeds and can be watery. Just remember to slice them nice and thin (about 1/8 inch) so they’ll lay flat on your sandwich and give you that classic deli-style crunch.

Options for Substitutions

This sandwich recipe is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can swap if needed:

• Cream cheese: Regular cream cheese can be swapped with light cream cheese, Greek yogurt cream cheese, or even hummus for a dairy-free option. Just make sure whatever you use is softened and spreadable.
• Dried dill: Fresh dill works great too – use about 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped dill instead. You could also try other herbs like fresh chives or basil for a different flavor.
• Caraway rye bread: Regular rye bread works fine if you can’t find caraway rye. You could also use whole wheat or sourdough, though you’ll lose that classic rye flavor that makes this sandwich special.
• White Deli American cheese: Feel free to swap this with Swiss cheese, provolone, or even Havarti. Any mild, sliced cheese will work well here.
• Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers can be used interchangeably. If they’re not in season, you could use thinly sliced zucchini for a similar crunch.
• Lettuce leaves: Any leafy green works here – try spinach, arugula, or mixed greens instead of regular lettuce. Just make sure they’re fresh and crisp.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making cucumber sandwiches is dealing with excess moisture – to avoid soggy bread, make sure to pat your cucumber slices dry with paper towels and sprinkle them with a tiny bit of salt to draw out extra water.

Getting the cream cheese spread just right matters too – let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing with dill, and spread it edge-to-edge on the bread to create a moisture barrier that helps keep your sandwich fresh.

A common mistake is slicing the cucumbers too thick, which can make the sandwich unwieldy and cause the fillings to slide around – aim for paper-thin slices using a mandoline or sharp knife, and layer them slightly overlapping for the best texture and bite.

If you’re making these ahead of time, store the cucumber slices separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the bread’s perfect texture.

What to Serve With Cucumber Sandwiches?

These light and fresh cucumber sandwiches pair perfectly with classic afternoon tea accompaniments and simple sides. A bowl of crispy potato chips adds a nice salty crunch that balances out the cool, creamy sandwich filling. For a light lunch spread, serve these sandwiches alongside a cup of tomato soup or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad. If you’re hosting tea time, arrange them on a platter with some lemon shortbread cookies or scones with clotted cream – the combination is just right for a relaxed afternoon get-together.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These sandwiches are best enjoyed right after making them, but if you need to prep ahead, you can store the assembled sandwiches (without the cucumber) in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep the bread from drying out.

Prep Ahead: Want to save time during lunch rush? Mix the cream cheese with dill the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also wash and slice your veggies ahead of time – just keep the cucumber slices separate in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Pack for Lunch: If you’re packing these for lunch, keep the cucumber slices separate and add them just before eating. This prevents the bread from getting soggy. Pack everything in separate containers or use parchment paper between layers to keep things fresh until lunchtime.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 20 thin cucumber slices (as thin as possible, a mandoline works great here)
• 4 lettuce leaves (I like butter lettuce for its tender texture)
• 8 slices white American deli cheese
• 1/4 tsp dried dill
• 1 pkg cream cheese (3 oz, softened for easy spreading)
• 4 thin tomato slices
• 8 slices caraway rye bread (a quality bread like Pepperidge Farm adds great flavor)

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese and dill weed.

Mix well until the dill is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

This spread will add a flavorful kick to your sandwich.

Step 2: Spread the Bread Slices

Take the bread slices and generously spread the cream cheese mixture over one side of each slice.

Ensure the mixture is evenly spread to enhance the taste with every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Start assembling the sandwiches by placing the following ingredients onto the cream cheese spread side of four bread slices:

• 1 lettuce leaf
• 1 slice of tomato
• 2 slices of cheese of your choice
• 1/4 cucumber, sliced

This layering will ensure that each sandwich is packed with flavor and freshness.

Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches

Top the assembled layers with the remaining bread slices, placing them cream cheese-side down.

This will sandwich the ingredients in between the flavorful cream cheese-spread bread, holding everything together neatly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once assembled, your sandwiches are ready to serve!

Enjoy these creamy, crunchy delights as a tasty lunch or a light dinner.