Finger sandwiches may be the stars of the show when it comes to tea parties or gatherings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some extra flair with side dishes.
We know that they’re easy to make, delicious, and always a hit. But what should you serve with them? Selecting side dishes that pair perfectly with finger sandwiches can be tricky.
But don’t worry—just stay with me; I’ve put together this helpful guide so you can easily choose the best side dishes for your next gathering!
Whether you’re looking for a light accompaniment for a sandwich-heavy menu or something to fill out a spread of simple appetizers, these delicious options surely give your guest a wow effect.
A Quick solution for what to serve with finger sandwiches - Salads, Vegetable Platters, Cheese Plates, Baked Goods, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Macaroni or Pasta Salad, Quinoa Salad, Caprese Salad, Greek Salad, Mango Salsa, Rice Salad, Broccoli Salad, Corn and Bean Salad, Tomato Mozzarella Salad, Spinach Salad, Watermelon Salad, Avocado Salad, Ham, Cream cheese, Hawaiian Rolls, Tea, Chicken.
What are finger Sandwiches? What do Finger Sandwiches taste like?
Finger sandwiches are an elegant, bite-sized snack, perfect for special occasions such as tea parties or get-togethers.
They usually feature thin slices of bread which are lightly buttered and layered with fillings like eggs, chicken salad, ham, cheese, or smoked salmon.
The fillings provide subtle, satisfying flavor combinations that contrast the soft bread and butter base.
Depending on the type of ingredients used in their preparation, finger sandwiches can be savory or sweet; they are also typically decorated to add a festive touch.
Although finger sandwiches have been around for centuries, modern twists such as mini pastries also make these small bites a pleasant surprise for guests at any event!
Things to remember while choosing side dishes for finger sandwiches – expert tips
When it comes to selecting side dishes for finger sandwiches, there are many things to consider.
Firstly, think about the ingredients in the sandwiches and match those flavors with appropriate sides.
For example, if the sandwiches have a lot of vegetables or have an Italian flavor, then roasted vegetables would be a good accompaniment.
Secondly, think about the texture of the sides you are adding—crunchy sides pair nicely with creamier elements in a sandwich.
Additionally, it is important to think about the presentation when choosing side dishes; you want whatever sides you choose to enhance the overall presentation of your finger sandwiches.
Finally, make sure whatever dish you choose complements all other flavors and ingredients in the sandwich so that each bite is an amazing experience!
Best side dishes with finger sandwiches
1. Salads
A fresh, crisp green salad is an excellent accompaniment to finger sandwiches. Not only is it healthy, but it adds an interesting texture and flavor profile to the meal while complementing the finger sandwiches perfectly.
Some good options include Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, BBQ Ranch Potato Salad, coleslaw, cucumber salad, Greek salad, spinach salad, and fruit salads like Waldorf or ambrosia.
For an even easier option, opt for a store-bought bagged salad mix! Not only that, but You can also get creative and create your own combinations!
Additionally, Fruit salads are also great options when it comes to pairing finger sandwiches.
This Fresh Fruit Salad is a classic choice, but why not go the extra mile and try something new? How about this tropical Pineapple Coconut Fruit Salad or this sweet Honey Lime Fruit Salad?
The possibilities are endless!
2. Vegetable Platters
Vegetable platters have long been a staple at gatherings of all kinds—and with good reason! They’re healthy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Try your hand at making your own veggie platter with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, olives, and pickles.
Serve it up with some ranch dip or hummus, and you’ve got yourself an instant favorite!
3. Cheese Plates
One of my favorite Cheese plates makes perfect accompaniments to finger sandwiches.
Just put together an assortment of cheeses like soft brie cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy gouda cheese, and nutty Swiss cheese.
You can also add some nuts (almonds work well!), crackers, and fruit slices for added flavor and texture. It’s sure to be a hit!
4. Baked Goods
Scones are another classic option when it comes to tea parties or gatherings where finger sandwiches will be served—after all, what better way is there to enjoy your favorite sandwich than with a warm scone?
Other baked goods that pair well with finger sandwiches include biscuits (especially cheese biscuits), muffins, and even cupcakes.
Just keep in mind that these items tend to be heavier than salads or veggies, so they should be used sparingly in order not to overwhelm the rest of the food selection.
5. Potato Salad
The classic potato salad is a great accompaniment for finger sandwiches. It can be made with potatoes, mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings of your choice.
You can also combine different vegetables like celery, onions, or pickles for variety.
6. Coleslaw
This tangy and crunchy side dish can be served with a variety of sandwiches.
It is made from a combination of cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise; however, you can also include other vegetables to add flavor.
7. Macaroni or Pasta Salad
For an Italian twist on finger sandwiches, serve macaroni or pasta salad. You can make this with cooked macaroni or pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
8. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a great source of protein, so it makes an excellent accompaniment to finger sandwiches.
Try adding chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese to your quinoa salad for some extra nutrition.
9. Caprese Salad
An Italian salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, this dish is a great way to add some color and flavor to your finger sandwiches.
Drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the top for an extra punch of flavor.
10. Greek Salad
Greek salads are always a great choice as a side dish.
Try adding feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion to your salad for extra flavor.
11. Mango Salsa
For something sweet and savory at the same time, try making mango salsa. Mangoes add a tropical twist to sandwiches, while the jalapenos give a nice kick of heat.
12. Rice Salad
Rice salads can be made with any type of rice and vegetables. Try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to your salad for more protein.
13. Broccoli Salad
My favorite crunchy and creamy Broccoli Salad is a great side dish for finger sandwiches. It includes ingredients like broccoli, mayonnaise, bacon, and raisins.
14. Corn and Bean Salad
This is a great side dish for Mexican-style sandwiches.
You can combine canned black beans, corn, red onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and lime juice for a flavorful salad.
15. Tomato Mozzarella Salad
A classic Italian combination of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese makes this salad a tasty side dish for finger sandwiches.
Drizzle some olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of your dish.
16. Spinach Salad
Add some extra nutrition to your sandwich platters by serving spinach salads. Top it with crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
17. Watermelon Salad
For a sweet and savory option, try making watermelon salads.
You can combine the fruit with feta cheese, cucumbers, and red onion for an interesting flavor combination.
18. Avocado Salad
Avocados are packed with healthy fats and vitamins, so adding them to salads is always a good idea.
Combine avocados with tomatoes, olives, and red onions for an interesting side dish to impress your guests.
19. Ham
Packed with flavor, a classic finger sandwich made with thinly-sliced ham is a perfect snack for any gathering.
Whether served at a children’s party or enjoyed during an afternoon tea, these mini-sandwiches will be sure to delight and impress.
When making your own finger sandwiches, opt for lean ham or slices of prosciutto, which can be complimented nicely with the addition of fresh vegetables, condiments, and other appropriate filler ingredients.
For a quick and tasty meal, serve your finger sandwiches with a variety of suitable side dishes, such as crispy coleslaw or crunchy olives.
When done correctly and presented properly, finger sandwiches filled with ham can truly make an unforgettable experience!
20. Cream cheese
Finger sandwiches with cream cheese are an excellent choice for any occasion or event. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also look very elegant.
The cream cheese gives you a delightful flavor and creamy texture that blends perfectly with the bread and other ingredients used in the sandwich.
With so many ingredients and flavors that you can add to these sandwiches, every person in attendance can easily find something they like.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable culinary experience, finger sandwiches with cream cheese are definitely worth trying out!
21. Hawaiian Rolls
Serving finger sandwiches with Hawaiian rolls can be an excellent way to give your guests an unforgettable experience.
Not only are Hawaiian rolls famously sweet, but they are also conveniently portioned so that you can cut them into the desired size for each sandwich.
You can further make the sandwiches unique by selecting versatile ingredients like meats, cheeses, and fresh greens.
Presentation matters, too, so don’t forget the finishing touches, like toothpicks or decorative flags, to add a pop of color!
With your creativity and Hawaiian rolls, you’ll be able to produce delicious and exquisite finger sandwiches perfect for any gathering.
22. Tea
A fantastic way to upgrade your tea-drinking experience is to serve finger sandwiches with it.
Finger sandwiches, made with ingredients like ham, smoked salmon, cheese, jams, and cucumber, are an ideal accompaniment to tea due to their comforting and bite-sized nature.
You can make these sandwiches from various bread slices or doughs like white bread, whole grain bread, pita bread, and even biscuits.
For added flavor and aroma, you can serve finger sandwiches garnished with herbs, spices, nuts, and fruits.
Serving those often simple yet classic finger sandwiches will be sure to make your tea experience more extraordinary!
23. Chicken
Hosting a party? Serve finger sandwiches made with chicken for an excellent experience! This is a tasty and flavorful food that everyone can enjoy.
Recipe options for you include creamy ranch chicken, honey mustard chicken, and buffalo chicken — all of which make for an amazing culinary experience.
Finger sandwiches also take little time to make, so you can quickly whip up enough for everyone without taking too much time away from the party.
Once served, watch as your guests devour these delicious snacks!
Do you really need side dishes to pair up with Finger Sandwiches?
Serving up finger sandwiches for a gathering can make for delicious conversation starters. But do you really need side dishes to accompany them?
If the sandwiches are already substantial, then you can get away with snacks or appetizers instead.
However, if your guests are expecting a full-fledged meal, then pairing up some sides will definitely help give it that extra pizzazz!
Go with traditional favorites like coleslaw, potato chips, and fried artichoke hearts, or be more creative and inventive. The sky’s the limit!
Have fun mixing and matching flavors to really wow your guests and make the experience memorable.
What are the best flavors to go with Finger Sandwiches?
Finger sandwiches are a simple and easy way to create a tasty snack. They’re perfect for tea parties, light lunches, and picnics, as they require no cutting or utensils – just some good old-fashioned finger-lickin’!
To create the perfect finger sandwich, choosing the right flavors is key.
Some classic options include cucumber with cream cheese, tuna salad with a touch of mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and tomato slices, turkey with lettuce and mustard, or roast beef paired with horseradish.
For a sweeter treat, you could also opt for nut butter like peanut or almond butter paired with figs or strawberries.
Ultimately, no matter what combination of flavors you choose for your finger sandwiches, you can’t go wrong!
What is the best way to serve Finger Sandwiches on any occasion?
Serving finger sandwiches on any occasion can be a deliciously simple way to provide your guests with a tasty snack.
Using a combination of quality ingredients, the best approach for creating delicious finger sandwiches is to layer different flavors.
Start with soft and light bread, like whole-wheat or white sourdough.
Then select an exciting selection of toppings that include spreading condiments such as creamy hummus or chutney, adding fresh vegetables like cucumber slices and tomatoes, and finally, topping with herbs or cheese.
Gathering all the ingredients carefully results in a tasty appetizer that is pleasing to the eye and bound to tantalize anyone’s taste buds.
Serve them on a platter along with some sides to make your next gathering irresistible!
FAQs on what to serve with finger sandwiches
Q1. What food goes with finger sandwiches?
Finger sandwiches are incredibly versatile and work well in both informal and formal settings! If you’re serving them at a casual event, like a baby shower or birthday party, consider pairings such as small pastries, grits dishes, potato salad, canapes, fresh fruit kebabs, or garden salads.
For more formal occasions like a holiday celebration or corporate event/luncheon, finger sandwiches can be accompanied by other finger-food items such as mini quiches and vegetable wraps.
All sides should compliment the sandwiches—either cooked or cured meats, smoked fish filets, tangy cheeses, and creamy spreads. Drinks can include tea to enjoy with traditional English-style finger sandwiches or any other drink of your choice that compliments the sandwich flavors.
Q2. How many finger sandwiches per person?
When it comes to party planning, figuring out how many finger sandwiches per person is a common dilemma. But there’s no need to panic – the key is to use an easy formula to get your estimates right.
As a rule of thumb, plan for 2-3 finger sandwiches per person if you provide other types of appetizers and around 4 finger sandwiches per person if the sandwiches are the only food served.
Do take into consideration expected crowd size and appetite levels before making your estimations so that you can adjust accordingly and make sure everyone leaves satisfied.
