Description
A charming and easy-to-make heart-shaped tea sandwich board featuring creamy herb cream cheese and fresh fillings, perfect for Galentine’s brunch or any gathering.
Ingredients
- White sandwich bread, crusts removed (about 12 slices)
- Whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed (optional)
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz / 225 g)
- Fresh dill, finely chopped (2 tbsp)
- Chives, finely chopped (2 tbsp)
- Fresh lemon zest (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Smoked salmon slices (6 oz / 170 g)
- Cucumber, thinly sliced (1 medium)
- Thinly sliced radishes (4-5 radishes)
- Avocado, mashed with a pinch of lime (1 medium, optional)
- Fresh baby spinach or arugula leaves (1 cup)
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprigs (for garnish)
- Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
- Black pepper, freshly cracked (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Cream Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese with chopped dill (2 tbsp), chives (2 tbsp), lemon zest (1 tsp), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prep the Veggies and Fillings: Thinly slice cucumber and radishes. Mash avocado with a squeeze of lime if using. Remove crusts from bread slices and keep bread covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Cut the Bread into Hearts: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (3-4 inches), press firmly down onto each slice of bread to create neat heart shapes. Save the scraps for breadcrumbs or snacks.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of the herb cream cheese on each heart-shaped bread piece. Layer fillings such as smoked salmon with extra dill, cucumber slices with a pinch of pepper, or mashed avocado with baby spinach leaves. Top with another bread heart, pressing gently.
- Garnish and Arrange: Place the sandwiches on your serving board, arranging them in a heart shape or a pretty pattern. Garnish with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the board with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and sandwiches firm up slightly (optional but recommended).
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to avoid tearing bread. Keep bread covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Thinly slice veggies and fillings for delicate bites. Chilling sandwiches before serving helps flavors meld and makes them easier to handle. For gluten-free, use almond flour crackers instead of bread. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with herbed cashew spread or coconut yogurt blend.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: tea sandwiches, heart-shaped sandwiches, Galentines recipe, easy appetizers, cream cheese spread, smoked salmon sandwiches, brunch recipe