Classic Afternoon Tea Sandwiches for Vintage High Teas

High tea sandwiches are a delightful and elegant addition to any afternoon tea spread. Here’s a guide to the best recipes and how to prepare them, including tips for variety and presentation.

Basic Guidelines for making High Tea Sandwiches

Bread: Use soft, thinly sliced bread (white, whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel). Cut off the crusts a polished appearance.

Size and Shape: Cut sandwiches into small, bite-sized shapes—rectangles, triangles, or circles are classic choices.

Spreads: Apply a thin layer of butter, cream cheese, or mayonnaise to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Note: While it can be tempting to omit the butter, keep in mind that this creates a barrier for the moisture of the fillings and keeps the bread from getting too moist or soggy.

Fillings: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Fillings should be finely chopped or spreadable to avoid messiness.

Presentation: Arrange your sandwiches neatly on a platter and garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs. For fantastic afternoon tea sandwiches choose a mixture of sweet and savory sandwiches from the recipes below, or mix and match flavors to create your own afternoon tea sandwiches creations.

Afternoon tea sandwiches — Photo credit M&S

How Many sandwiches do you need?

The general rule of thumb is to work out the number of Sandwiches per person: Plan for 4–6 small tea sandwiches per guest. This accounts for bite-sized portions and a variety of flavors.

The number per person will also depend on what other foods you are serving alongside. If you’re serving a full high tea with scones, pastries, and cakes, you can aim for 4 sandwiches per person. For sandwich-only teas, consider 6–8 sandwiches per guest.

Aim for a variety of sandwiches; 3-5 types to cater for all tastes.

We suggest you also prepare extra sandwiches to account for larger appetites or popular varieties.

Quantities for spreads

Before we get to the recipes lets talk about the how to determine how much filling to make.

Base Spreads (Butter, Cream Cheese, or Mayonnaise):

Apply a thin, even layer to cover the entire surface of the bread. Use about 1 teaspoon per slice of bread, adjusting for thickness and the bread’s absorbency.

Flavorful Spreads (Chutney, Mustard, or Jam):

Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the sandwich. Typically, ½ teaspoon per slice is sufficient unless the spread is a central flavor component.

Soft Filling Mixtures (Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, or Tuna Salad):

Spread a generous but manageable layer—enough to evenly cover the bread without spilling out the sides. Aim for about 1–2 tablespoons per sandwich, depending on its size and shape.

Additional Ingredients (Cream Cheese with Salmon, Butter with Cucumber):

Keep the spread complementary to the filling. Use just enough to bind or enhance the other ingredients, about 1 teaspoon per slice.

Example: Cucumber Sandwiches

Spread ½–1 teaspoon of softened butter evenly on each slice.
Add thin cucumber slices in a single layer.
If using cream cheese or dill spread, apply 1–1½ teaspoons evenly across the bread.

By balancing the amount of spread, your sandwiches will be flavorful, neat, and a delight to serve!

High Tea Sandwich Recipes

Roast Chicken and Honey Mustard Sandwiches

Spread the bread with butter and a thin layer of honey mustard.
Slice the roasted chicken and place on next.
Put the final slice of bread on top and cut to serve.

A three-tiered cake stand, like this Royal Albert Floral tiered plate, is perfect for displaying sandwiches on the table. Put savory sandwiches on the lower tiers and sweet varieties at the top.

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Smoked Ham, Brie, and Apple Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Layer the smoked ham, sliced Brie, and thinly sliced apple on one slice of bread.
Place the second piece of bread on top and cut to serve.

Grated Carrot and Raisin Sandwiches

Arrange freshly grated carrot on a slice of buttered bread and sprinkle with soft raisins (soaked in warm water for an hour is best).
Place another buttered slice of bread on top and cut into triangles for serving.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

These are so simple to make, but people will not be able to stop eating them!
Make or buy a simple chicken salad, with shredded chicken and mustard mayonnaise.
Spread evenly onto a slice of bread.
Place the second slice on top and cut into fingers.
For extra taste, you can add sliced apple or celery into the chicken salad.

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Mix mashed hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise and a small amount of mustard to make a paste.
Spread evenly and thickly onto a slice of bread.
Add the second slice and cut into fingers for serving.
For extra taste, you can add sliced apple or celery.

Small Square Serving Plates like these ones can be used to serve individual sandwiches or toppings.

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Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Spread a thick layer of softened cream cheese on one slice of bread.
Lay thin slices of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese and cover with the top slice of bread.
Cut into triangles or fingers for serving.

A classic Three Tier Sandwich Plate like this one is perfect for creating an elegant display of sandwiches.

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Classic Cucumber Sandwiches

Classic cucumber sandwiches are the easiest to make.
Spread a layer of butter on a slice of white bread.
Remove the skin of the cucumber.
Slice the cucumber into thin round slices.
Place on the bread and season with a small amount of pepper and salt.
Serve as open sandwiches or cover with the second slice of bread and cut into triangles for serving.

We love these Alice In Wonderland Favor Domes for adding some fun to the table. You can serve small sandwiches in them or add a little sweet treat.

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Tomato and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich Fingers

Thinly slice the tomato and the cheddar cheese.
Layer onto a buttered slice of bread.
Place the second slice of bread on the top and cut into triangles or fingers for serving.

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Italian Style Sandwiches

Thinly slice the tomato and the mozzarella cheese.
Layer onto a buttered slice of bread.
Place the second slice of bread on the top and cut into triangles or fingers for serving.
For added taste add fresh basil leaves to the sandwich.

Asparagus Rolls

Freshly cooked or tinned green asparagus work best for this,
but be sure to drain the asparagus well before placing on the bread or you will have a soggy mess.
Butter the bread first and salt it.
Lay the asparagus over the bread and roll into sandwich rolls. Serve immediately.

Asparagus Rolls look great served on a silver platter like this one

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Tuna, Mayonnaise, and Mango Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Spread with mayonnaise.
Used tinned tuna that has been well-drained.
Place the tuna on next.
Fresh or tinned mango can be used next.
Layer this on top of the tuna and top with the final piece of bread. Cut and serve.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwiches

Butter the bread.
Layer the thinly sliced smoked salmon on the bottom slice.
You can also use well-drained tinned salmon for this.
Peel and thinly slice the cucumber and layer on next.
Place the top piece of bread on and cut to serve immediately.

Crab Salad Sandwiches

Butter both pieces of bread well.
Use a simple store-bought crab salad and spread thickly on the bottom layer of bread.
Place the top layer of bread on and cut to serve.

Camembert and Fig Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Lay a thick slice of camembert cheese on the bottom slice.
Use dried figs or fig jam next to layer on next.
Place the final layer of bread and cut to serve.

Pack up your sandwiches for a day out in this wonderful Picnic at Ascot Basket.

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Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Lay a thin slice of roast beef on the bottom slice.
Spread Horseradish sauce over the roast beef and place the final layer of bread.
Cut to serve.

Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

Butter both pieces of bread well.
Use a simple store-bought shrimp salad and spread thickly on the bottom layer of bread. Add sliced cucumber and watercress.
Place the top layer of bread on and cut to serve.

Make a beautiful cheese platter to serve alongside your sandwiches with Gourmet French Cheeses Delivered to your door

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Smoked Turkey and Applesauce Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Lay a thin slice of smoked turkey on the bottom slice.
Spread applesauce over the turkey and place the final layer of bread.
Cut to serve.

Strawberry Cream Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
2 slices of very thin sandwich bread
2 medium strawberries, sliced

PREPARATION

Combine cream cheese, honey, and orange zest in a bowl.
Spread bread with the cheese mixture.
Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.
Cut into small fingers.

Sun-dried tomatoes and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on one slice of bread.
Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and drain them well.
Arrange the cut tomatoes on the cream cheese and place the top layer of bread on and cut to serve.

Try something different by using this large Wooden Serving Platter for serving sandwiches

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Lavender Jelly Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

Butter both slices of bread.
Apply a thick layer of lavender jelly and place the final layer of bread on.
Cut to serve.

We recommend the French-made L’Epicurien Confit of Lavender Flowers to add a European touch to your afternoon tea.

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Turkey, Cheese, and Basil Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

Butter two slices of bread.
Layer sliced turkey and cheese on the bottom layer.
Sprinkle with fresh or dried basil.
Place top piece of bread. Cut to serve.

Many More Sandwich Ideas in High Society Sandwiches:

Many More Sandwich Ideas in High Society Sandwiches: This classic guide to sandwiches has more than 100 recipes for afternoon tea sandwiches that will delight!

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