Afternoon Tea Sandwiches Recipe

This Afternoon Tea Sandwiches recipe brings together three timeless British-inspired finger sandwiches: cucumber with mint cream cheese, egg and cress, and coronation chicken. Featured on Feed My Soul… V!, hosts Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco present a beautifully balanced tea party selection that is light, flavorful, and perfect for elegant entertaining.

Each sandwich offers a distinct flavor profile—from refreshing and herbal to creamy and savory—making this trio ideal for afternoon tea towers, bridal showers, brunch gatherings, and sophisticated celebrations.

The Inspiration

Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition dating back to the 19th century, where delicate finger sandwiches are served alongside tea, scones, and sweets. This recipe pays homage to that tradition while offering three classic fillings that represent the essence of tea-time elegance.

On Feed My Soul… V!, Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco celebrate global comfort food traditions made approachable for home cooks. This sandwich trio reflects that vision perfectly—simple ingredients elevated into refined bites that feel both nostalgic and luxurious

Ingredients

Cucumber with Mint Cream Cheese

4-5 fresh chives
2-3 mint leaves
2 tablespoons (30 ml) cream cheese
2 slices of bread
1x 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) long cucumber
Salt

Egg and Cress

1 boiled egg
1 tablespoon (15 ml) mayonnaise
2-3 fresh chives
¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
2 slices of bread
½ cup (120 ml) cress or watercress

Coronation Chicken

¼ cup (60 g) cooked chicken
1 tablespoon (15 ml) mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (15 ml) plain yogurt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) prepared mango chutney
¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) curry powder
2 slices of bread

Method

Cucumber with Mint Cream Cheese

Very finely chop the chives and mint. Put the cream cheese and chopped herbs in a bowl and mix to combine.
Spread the herbed cream cheese onto two slices of bread.
Peel the cucumber and slice it into fine slices on a mandolin. Place the sliced cucumber on top of the herbed cream cheese on one slice of bread, taking care to ensure that it is evenly distributed and season with salt.
Place the other slice of bread, cream cheese slice down, on top of the cucumber to make a sandwich. Remove the crusts and slice into three equal fingers.

Egg and Cress

Place the egg in a bowl and mash lightly with a fork. Do not over mash. Add the mayonnaise, chives, mustard and salt and pepper and mix to combine until the mustard disappears and the chives are spread throughout the mixture.
Spread the egg mixture onto one slice of bread and top with cress and the second slice of bread to form a sandwich.
Carefully remove the crusts and slice into three equal fingers.

Coronation Chicken

Cut or shred the chicken into small pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and add the mayonnaise, yogurt, chutney, and curry powder to the bowl and mix until well combined.
Spread the chicken mixture onto one slice of bread and top with the second slice of bread.
Carefully remove the crusts and slice into three equal fingers.

Serving Suggestions

This Afternoon Tea Sandwiches recipe is perfect for creating a refined afternoon tea experience at home. Serve these delicate finger sandwiches on a tiered tea stand alongside freshly brewed black tea, Earl Grey, or herbal blends for an authentic tea party presentation. Their light textures and balanced flavors make them ideal for pairing with classic tea accompaniments such as scones with clotted cream, fruit preserves, and petite desserts like shortbread or mini pastries.

For entertaining, arrange the sandwiches in alternating patterns on a platter to highlight their different colors and fillings, creating a visually appealing centerpiece for bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, or elegant brunches. They also work beautifully as part of a larger grazing table featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, and light salads, offering guests a variety of delicate bites throughout the event.

Final Thoughts

This Afternoon Tea Sandwiches recipe is a celebration of timeless elegance and simple culinary craftsmanship. Each sandwich—refreshing cucumber mint cream cheese, classic egg and cress, and flavorful coronation chicken—brings its own unique character while contributing to a beautifully balanced tea-time spread.

Featured on Feed My Soul… V! Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco honor the tradition of afternoon tea while making it accessible and enjoyable for modern home entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this trio delivers charm, flavor, and elegance in every bite.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!