Recreate the legendary elegance of The Ritz London at home with this trio of afternoon tea sandwiches for two. Featuring classic herb cucumber, citrus-butter smoked salmon, and savory ham, it's the ultimate guide to mastering the perfect crustless finger sandwich.
2 slicesEnglish granary or multi-grain bread measurements based on standard 4x4-inch/10 x 10 cm slices)
¼ cup (58 grams)plain cream cheesesoftened
1 teaspoon (1.5 grams)fresh chivesfinely chopped
1 teaspoon (1.2 grams) fresh dillfinely chopped
Pinch of fine sea salt
½large cucumberpeeled and shaved into ribbons and dried with a towel
For the Smoked Salmon and Lemon Butter:
2 slicessourdough bread
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted buttersoftened (unsalted to offset the salty salmon)
½ teaspoonfreshly grated lemon zest
2 ounces (56 grams)Scottish smoked salmon
For the Ham and Mustard Mayonnaise:
2slices soft brioche bread
1 tablespoon (14 grams) mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (14 grams) whole-grain Dijon mustard
2slices hammore if they are thinly sliced
Instructions
Mix the Spreads in 3 Separate Bowls:
Combine the cream cheese with the chives and dill, mix well. Stir the lemon zest into the softened butter. Whisk the mustard and mayonnaise together.
Assemble:
Spread the cream cheese blend in an even layer across both slices of granary bread. Layer the cucumber ribbons over one slice, then place the remaining bread slice on top.
Spread an even layer of citrus butter on both sourdough slices. Arrange the smoked salmon over one slice, then top with the remaining buttered slice.
Spread the mustard-mayo on both brioche slices. Layer the ham over one slice, then finish with the remaining bread slice on top.
Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps set the fillings for cleaner, easier slicing.
Trim and Slice:
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice off the crusts in clean motions (save for later to snack on), then cut each sandwich vertically into 3 equal finger strips measuring 3 x 1.5 inches/7.5 x 4 cm. Serve immediately.