Kentucky Derby Tea Trio (Printable Version)

A Southern trio featuring cucumber, egg salad, and ham on soft breads, perfect for entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cucumber Sandwiches

01 - 6 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
02 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
06 - Pinch of salt and black pepper

→ Egg Salad Sandwiches

07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon chives, minced
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 6 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed

→ Ham Sandwiches

14 - 6 slices rye sandwich bread, crusts removed
15 - 3 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
16 - 2 tablespoons Dijon or honey mustard
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cool eggs under cold running water, peel carefully, and chop finely.
02 - Combine chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced chives, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until creamy and set aside.
03 - Blend softened cream cheese, butter, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread mixture thinly on white bread slices. Layer cucumber slices evenly on three bread slices, top with remaining bread, press gently, and cut each sandwich into two or three finger portions.
04 - Spread softened butter on one side of each rye bread slice. Apply mustard over butter on three slices, layer ham evenly, sprinkle with fresh parsley, top with remaining bread slices, press gently, and cut each sandwich into two or three finger portions.
05 - Spread egg salad mixture evenly over three whole wheat bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices, press gently, and cut each sandwich into two or three finger portions.
06 - Arrange all sandwiches on a serving platter. Cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving to maintain freshness. Serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Three different flavors mean everyone finds their favorite, and you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
  • These sandwiches come together faster than the actual horse race, which is saying something.
  • They're elegant enough for a fancy gathering but casual enough for a sunny afternoon on the porch.
02 -
  • Removing the crusts isn't fancy—it's practical, because crusts dry out faster and guests appreciate not having to deal with them.
  • Cucumbers release water as they sit, so assembling these no more than a few hours ahead prevents soggy bread, though you can prep all your components the night before.
03 -
  • A thin spreading knife or small offset spatula makes buttering bread easier than a regular knife, which drags and tears soft bread.
  • If you want a hint of sophistication, add a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the cucumber filling or a dot of honey mustard to the ham layer—these small touches make people pause mid-bite and wonder what just happened.
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