Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely minced
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1 lb white pullman bread
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Slice the cucumber into thin, translucent rounds using a mandoline. Arrange the slices in a single layer on paper towels and pat firmly with another towel to remove all surface moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and pale.
  3. Fold in the minced dill, chives, salt, and pepper until the herbs are evenly distributed.
  4. Lay out four slices of bread. Apply a paper-thin layer of softened butter if desired. Spread a generous, even layer of the herbed cream cheese from edge to edge on each slice.
  5. Layer the patted-dry cucumber slices in an overlapping pattern over the spread, pressing down lightly so they adhere. Top with the remaining bread slices.
  6. Using a serrated knife, gently saw through the crusts of the sandwiches to remove them completely. Slice each square sandwich diagonally into two triangles or vertically into three long fingers.