Ina Garten’s Tea Sandwiches are a delightful and elegant option for any afternoon tea, bridal shower, or light gathering. These bite-sized sandwiches are filled with simple yet flavorful ingredients, and they can be customized to suit any palate. Perfectly balanced between savory and refreshing, these sandwiches are both sophisticated and easy to make.

What Are Tea Sandwiches?

Tea sandwiches, also known as finger sandwiches, are small, delicate sandwiches typically served as part of an afternoon tea spread. They are usually made with thin slices of bread and filled with savory ingredients such as cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad. Ina Garten’s version of tea sandwiches includes classic fillings with a gourmet twist, making them ideal for any occasion.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Elegant and Versatile: Tea sandwiches are perfect for entertaining, whether it’s for an afternoon tea or a casual get-together.
Customizable Fillings: These sandwiches can be made with a variety of fillings, allowing you to create a diverse platter for your guests.
Easy to Make: Tea sandwiches are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These sandwiches are great for parties, picnics, or light lunches, adding a touch of elegance to your spread.

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

For the Cucumber Sandwiches:

1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
8 slices white bread, crusts removed
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Smoked Salmon Sandwiches:

4 ounces smoked salmon
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 slices pumpernickel bread, crusts removed
Fresh dill for garnish

For the Egg Salad Sandwiches:

4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed

Instructions to Make Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Sandwiches

Mix the cream cheese and dill: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice of white bread. Layer the cucumber slices evenly over half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices.
Slice and serve: Cut each sandwich into 2-3 finger-sized pieces. Serve immediately or cover with a damp paper towel and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Sandwiches

Mix the cream cheese and lemon: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, capers, and lemon juice.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of pumpernickel bread. Top with smoked salmon slices and garnish with fresh dill. Place the remaining bread slices on top.
Slice and serve: Cut each sandwich into 2-3 finger-sized pieces. Keep chilled until serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Salad Sandwiches

Make the egg salad: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the egg salad evenly over half of the whole wheat bread slices. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
Slice and serve: Cut each sandwich into finger-sized portions and serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.

What Goes Well with Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

Scones and Jam: Tea sandwiches pair wonderfully with fresh scones and a selection of jams for a complete afternoon tea experience.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwiches.
Assorted Pastries: Balance the savory flavors of the sandwiches with sweet pastries like macarons or mini tarts.
Tea: Serve these sandwiches with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea, to complement the light, delicate flavors.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and high-quality bread are key to making the best tea sandwiches.
Thinly slice the ingredients: Ensure your fillings, especially cucumbers and smoked salmon, are thinly sliced to create a light and delicate sandwich.
Remove the crusts: Trimming the crusts off the bread gives the sandwiches a clean, polished look and ensures they’re easy to eat.
Make ahead of time: You can prepare the sandwiches a few hours ahead of time. Just cover them with a damp paper towel and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Variations of Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Substitute egg salad with chicken salad for a heartier option.
Vegetarian Tea Sandwiches: Use roasted vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, or eggplant instead of meat-based fillings.
Curried Egg Salad: Add curry powder and a touch of mango chutney to the egg salad for a more exotic flavor.
Goat Cheese and Fig Sandwiches: Swap cream cheese for goat cheese and add a layer of fig jam for a sweet and savory combination.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out.
Don’t freeze: Tea sandwiches do not freeze well due to the high moisture content in the bread and fillings.

How Can I Make Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches Healthier?

To make these tea sandwiches a bit lighter, consider the following adjustments:

Use whole grain bread: Swap white bread for whole grain or sprouted grain bread to add more fiber and nutrients.
Light cream cheese: Opt for light cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese.
Reduce the mayonnaise: For the egg salad, use half the amount of mayonnaise and replace it with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
Add more veggies: Include extra vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or sprouts for a healthier, nutrient-packed sandwich.

Nutrition Value (Per Sandwich, Approximate)

Calories: 180
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

FAQs

Can I make tea sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, tea sandwiches can be made a few hours in advance. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How do I keep tea sandwiches from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy sandwiches, spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on the bread before adding wetter ingredients like cucumber. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread from absorbing too much moisture.

What kind of bread is best for tea sandwiches?

Soft, thinly sliced white, whole wheat or pumpernickel bread works best for tea sandwiches. Be sure to remove the crusts for a classic presentation. You can also use more textured breads like rye for heartier sandwiches.

Can I freeze tea sandwiches?

Tea sandwiches do not freeze well due to the moisture content in the fillings and bread. It’s best to make them fresh or a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Tea Sandwiches are a delightful addition to any occasion, from afternoon tea to light lunches and celebrations. These elegant, bite-sized sandwiches are easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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