Here are four traditional English tea finger sandwiches perfect for serving at your next afternoon tea party. These 4 delicious fillings are: chicken and tarragon, ham and mustard, egg and cress, and cream cheese with avocado.
Egg and cress
Egg and cress is a classic afternoon tea sandwich filling. This filling is made with mayonnaise to make it deliciously creamy. The cress adds a peppery twang. I like to serve this filling with wholemeal bread.
Chicken and tarragon
Chicken and tarragon is a delicious combination. This filling contains both yoghurt and mayonnaise to make it extra creamy. Spring onion and mustard create a punchier flavour. If you prefer, you can replace the spring onion with chopped chives. I used vegan chicken, but you can use cooked chicken breast if you prefer.
Ham and mustard
Ham and mustard sandwiches are very popular on afternoon tea menus. It is one of the simplest sandwiches to make and tastes equally delicious on white or wholemeal bread. Using wholegrain mustard adds extra texture. I used vegan ham, but you can use meat if you prefer.
Cucumber, cream cheese, and avocado sandwiches
Cucumber and cream cheese is a classic afternoon tea sandwich filling. You could simply use these ingredients, but I added a delicious basil avocado mash for extra creaminess. To make these vegan, leave out the cream cheese.
Vegan tea sandwiches
These sandwiches can be made vegan by using vegan meat, dairy and mayonnaise substitutes. Instead of egg, you can use tofu.
For more vegan sandwich ideas, check out my vegan afternoon tea sandwich recipes.
How do you cut a perfect sandwich for afternoon tea?
First, I recommend using a serrated bread knife. This will stop the bread from becoming squashed when slicing.
Secondly, remove the crusts after building the sandwiches. This will ensure the fillings go right to the edge of the sandwiches.
Finally, it is best to slice each sandwich into 3 finger sandwiches. This will leave you with the perfect sized sandwiches.
How far in advance can I made sandwiches for a party?
I recommend making sandwiches on the day of the tea party. If, however, you need to make them beforehand there are a few tips to keep them as fresh as possible:
- Butter the bread. Buttering the bread will protect the bread from going soggy.
- Wrap the sandwiches tightly in clingfilm and store them in the fridge. This prevents them from drying out.
- Remove the sandwiches 30 minutes before serving, so they will be a good temperature.
- Keep the crusts on the sandwiches until just before serving. This also prevents them from drying out.
You can also prepare some of the fillings a day ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
What to serve with afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a traditional British meal comprising of four to five key elements.
- Finger sandwiches – Finger sandwiches are the savoury portion of afternoon tea. I recommend preparing 4 finger sandwiches per person.
- Scones – Scones served with clotted cream and jam are often the favourite part of an afternoon tea. Scones may contain raisins and can be served with a range of different jams, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry. Serve 1-2 scones per person.
- Cakes and pastries – Delicate and colourful cakes and pastries are usually served with afternoon tea. This could include miniature sandwich cakes, brownies, macarons, and mini eclairs. Serve around 4 per person.
- Champagne – Optionally, afternoon tea may be served with a bubbly glass of Champagne or Prosecco.
Alternatively, you can serve these sandwiches as part of a party sandwich platter for a birthday party or gathering. They are also great for taking on picnics.
How to serve finger sandwiches
These are best served on a 3 tier afternoon tea stand. I recommend this blue flowery stand or this plain white stand.
More traditional English tea finger sandwiches ideas:
If you liked these tea sandwich ideas, you mayo also like these recipes:
Vegetarian Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber and cream cheese, Japanese egg mayo, Cheddar and pickle, and coronation chickpea sandwiches.
Vegan Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Vegan cheese and onion, pesto and roasted peppers, vegan chickpea ‘tuna’ salad, and hummus with cucumbers and tomato.
Traditional English Tea Finger Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, yoghurt, spring onion, mustard, and tarragon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spread each slice of bread with butter.
- Spread the chicken mixture onto two of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side down.
- Carefully remove the crusts and slice each sandwich into 3 finger sandwiches.
- Butter each slice of bread. Spread 2 of the slices with the wholegrain mustard.
- Top the mustard slices with 2 slices of ham each.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side down.
- Carefully remove the crusts. Slice each sandwich into 3 finger sandwiches.
- Peel and roughly chop the boiled eggs. Add to a bowl with the mayonnaise and cress. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Spread each slice of bread with butter. Spread 2 of the slices with the egg mayo mix. Top with the remaining bread, butter-side down.
- Carefully remove the crusts, and slice each sandwich into 3 finger sandwiches.
- Peel the avocado and add to a medium bowl along with the basil leaves and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth.
- Spread each slice of bread with butter. Spread 2 of the slices with the cream cheese. Arrange the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese.
- Spread the avocado mix onto the remaining slices of bread. Top the cucumber bread slices with the avocado slices, avocado-side down.
- Carefully remove the crusts and slice each sandwich into 3 finger sandwiches.
Such yummy sandwiches!