Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 8 slices soft white bread
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Slice the English cucumber into rounds roughly 1/8 inch (3mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  2. Toss cucumber slices with 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl and let sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Pat the cucumber slices thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and glossy.
  5. Fold in garlic powder, chopped dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
  6. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the bread slices if using for an extra moisture barrier.
  7. Apply a generous layer of the garlic-herb spread to the bread, layer with dried cucumber slices, and top with a second slice of bread.
  8. Trim the crusts with a serrated knife and cut into tea sandwich triangles or rectangles.