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.jpg) Cucumber sandwiches stacked on a plate | |
| Type | Tea sandwich |
|---|---|
| Course | Afternoon tea |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Region or state | United Kingdom and United States |
| Main ingredients | White bread, cucumber, butter |
| Variations | Brown bread |
The traditional cucumber sandwich is a crustless tea sandwich (or finger sandwich) composed of thin slices of cucumber situated between two thin slices of lightly buttered white bread. The sandwich originated in the United Kingdom, and modern variants, largely of United States origin, introduce cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped dill or spices, and salmon, and may substitute brown bread. One specific US variant includes benedictine, a green soft spread made from cucumbers and cream cheese.
Cucumber sandwiches are most often served for a light snack or for afternoon tea, a formal light meal served in the late afternoon, or in the early evening before the main supper. Cucumber sandwiches are also traditionally served in the tea break at club cricket matches in England.