Kentucky Derby Tea Sandwich Trio (Printable Version)

A delightful assortment of fresh cucumber, egg salad, and ham sandwiches served on soft bread.

# 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 sandwich 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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 10 minutes. Cool eggs under cold water, peel, and chop finely.
02 - In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
03 - Stir together cream cheese, butter, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Spread cream cheese mixture thinly on each slice of white bread. Arrange cucumber slices evenly on three bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices, press gently, and cut each sandwich into two or three finger sandwiches.
05 - Spread butter on one side of each rye bread slice. Spread mustard over the butter on three slices. Top with ham and a sprinkle of parsley. Top with remaining bread slices, press gently, and cut each sandwich into two or three finger sandwiches.
06 - Spread egg salad evenly over three whole wheat bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices and cut each sandwich into two or three finger sandwiches.
07 - Arrange all sandwiches on a platter. Cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap until serving to keep fresh.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Three classic varieties in one elegant presentation for maximum variety and appeal
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find and prepare, perfect for both novice and experienced hosts
  • Make-ahead friendly – assemble up to 4 hours in advance for stress-free entertaining
  • Beautiful presentation that impresses guests without requiring professional culinary skills
  • Vegetarian options available with the cucumber and egg salad sandwiches
  • Ideal portion size for appetizers or afternoon tea service
02 -
  • Assemble sandwiches up to 4 hours in advance and keep refrigerated under damp paper towels to maintain freshness
  • Use day-old bread rather than fresh – it's sturdier and less likely to become soggy from spreads
  • Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels before assembling to prevent moisture from making the bread soggy
  • For perfectly hard-boiled eggs, start with room-temperature eggs to prevent cracking
  • Cut sandwiches with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down to avoid squishing the fillings
  • Serve within 2 hours of removing from refrigeration for optimal texture and food safety
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