Cream Cheese Sandwich
A quick and delicious cream cheese sandwich layered with fresh herbs and cucumber. High in plant-based protein, fiber-rich, and low in saturated fat, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack time. Easy to assemble and ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 fork or whisk
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 serving plate (optional)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup 150 g soft cream cheese (spreadable)
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon finely grated fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped (basil, dill, parsley, or a mix)
- ¼ English cucumber thinly sliced (optional)
- 4 slices sandwich bread multigrain or preferred type
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Start by gathering a medium mixing bowl and adding ¾ cup (150 g) of soft, spreadable cream cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which gives a subtle richness and silky texture. Next, squeeze in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Add ¼ teaspoon of finely grated fresh garlic to infuse a gentle, aromatic punch. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of fine salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper to season the mixture evenly. Finally, fold in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs, such as basil, dill, and parsley, which will add freshness and herbal complexity to every bite.
- Blend Ingredients Until Smooth: Using a fork or a whisk, vigorously mix all the ingredients in the bowl. Stir until the cream cheese is completely smooth and all the flavors are evenly incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. You may add an extra drop of lemon juice for more brightness or a pinch of salt or pepper if preferred. The result should be creamy, flavorful, and ready to spread.
- Prepare the Bread Slices: Lay out 4 slices of your chosen sandwich bread on a clean cutting board. If you prefer softer sandwiches, multigrain or white sandwich bread works best. For more rustic or hearty sandwiches, options like sourdough, ciabatta, or rye are excellent. Ensure the slices are evenly cut so the sandwich layers align neatly.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Generously: Take a butter knife or a spatula and generously spread the prepared cream cheese mixture on one side of each bread slice. If you want extra indulgence, you can spread it on both sides, which will make the sandwich richer and more flavorful. Make sure the layer is even to ensure every bite is creamy and balanced.
- Layer the Cucumber Slices: Thinly slice ¼ English cucumber and place the slices evenly over half of the bread slices that have the cream cheese spread. Slightly overlap the cucumber slices so they cover the bread fully, providing a fresh crunch in every bite. Optionally, you can add extra greens like English cress, lettuce, or even thin avocado slices for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the remaining bread slices on top of the cucumber-layered slices, cream cheese side down, to form the sandwich. Press down gently but firmly so that the layers stick together. This also helps the sandwich hold its shape when cutting and serving.
- Trim and Cut (Optional): For a polished presentation, trim off the crusts using a sharp knife. Then, cut each sandwich into rectangles, triangles, or finger-sized pieces, depending on your preference or serving style. This step is particularly useful if serving the sandwiches at a party or for kids.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sandwiches on a serving plate. They can be enjoyed immediately as a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack. The combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes this sandwich both satisfying and refreshing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply spread it on the bread and assemble the sandwiches. Keep in mind that the garlic flavor will intensify slightly if made ahead, adding more depth to the taste.
- Optional Add-Ins: For variety, consider adding thin slices of tomato, avocado, grilled zucchini, or roasted peppers. These additions complement the cream cheese and herbs while keeping the sandwich nutritious and fiber-rich.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Selection: Use spreadable cream cheese sold in tubs, not blocks, for a smooth, easy-to-spread texture. Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor, while reduced-fat versions keep it lighter without compromising creaminess.
- Herb Choices: A combination of fresh parsley, basil, and dill works beautifully, but you can also experiment with chives, mint, or coriander. Herbs should be finely chopped for even distribution.
- Bread Options: Soft white or multigrain bread works best for a delicate sandwich. For a heartier texture, try rye, sourdough, ciabatta, English muffins, or thick bagels. Toasting the bread lightly adds crunch without overpowering the cream cheese.
- Additional Fillings: English cucumber is classic, but you can add avocado, tomato slices, lettuce, roasted peppers, or grilled zucchini for extra flavor, color, and fiber. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them to avoid excess moisture.
- Serving Style: Cut sandwiches into triangles, rectangles, or bite-sized pieces for parties or casual meals. Removing crusts gives a neat, visually appealing finish.
