Tea sandwiches are a classic and elegant option when hosting an afternoon tea or other gathering.
From mini cucumber sandwiches to egg salad on rye, tea sandwiches offer a delicious and elegant way to enjoy a snack.
With the right sides, these dainty, flavorful treats can be elevated to something truly special.
Here is a list of sides that go perfectly with tea sandwiches—whether you’re serving smoked salmon and dill, cucumber and cream cheese, or egg salad.
So, let’s get started to taste all these beautiful sides.
A quick solution on what to serve with tea sandwiches Soup and Salad Combos, Vegetable Platter, Fruit Plate, Fruit Salad, Cheese Crackers, Cold Soup Bowls Gazpacho, Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, Egg Salad, Cranberry Nut Bread, Tuna Salad, Avocado Toast, Crostini, Mini Quiche, Tomato Bruschetta, Salad, Grilled Veggies, Cheese Platter, Muffins, A hearty bowl of soup, Potato wedges, Pickles, Nachos, Coleslaw, Guacamole, Fried onion rings, Mexican-style corn on the cob, French fries, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked potato wedges, Eggplant Parmesan, Hummus.
What type of sandwich is a tea sandwich, and what do tea sandwiches taste like?
Tea sandwiches are a classic and deliciously easy snack to both make and enjoy. Though the name suggests its links to tea time, there really is no specific type of sandwich that is definitively a tea sandwich.
What makes it unique is the small portions and miniature slices of bread – they are traditionally cut into finger sizes so they can be handled with ease while sipping your cup of tea.
They can encompass a variety of different ingredients, including chicken salad, egg salad, cheese and cucumber, tuna salad, and many more!
No matter the variety, they all share the same core elements- delicate flavor, creamy texture, and an incredibly well-balanced lightness that simply pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
32 Best side dishes to serve with tea sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are a classic, easy-to-make snack that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes for a satisfying meal.
Here are 32 of the best dishes to pair with tea sandwiches for lunch or dinner:
1. Soup and Salad Combos
A light soup can be a great complement to tea sandwiches, especially in cooler weather. You can consider serving a winter squash soup or a creamy tomato basil bisque.
To make it a complete meal, pair your soup with a simple side salad.
Try tossing together some baby greens with dried cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese for an easy and flavorful salad.
2. Vegetable Platter
For an extra colorful platter of sides, try arranging an array of fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers, broccoli florets, and radishes on one big plate.
You can even add in some hummus or dip for dipping!
This will provide your guests with plenty of crunchy options to enjoy alongside their tea sandwiches.
3. Fruit Plate
If you want something more refreshing than veggies (or if you just want something different!), consider setting up a tasty fruit plate full of seasonal favorites like strawberries, kiwi slices, and melon wedges.
Not only is this option incredibly healthy, but it’s also very pretty, which makes it great for brunch or afternoon gatherings!
You can even sprinkle some nuts on top for an extra boost of protein and crunch!
4. Fruit Salad
Nothing brightens up a plate of tea sandwiches quite like a fresh fruit salad! Sweet seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, pineapple, apple slices, and kiwi are all great options to create an eye-catching side dish.
For added flavor and texture, you can add some nuts like walnuts or almonds, as well as some dried cranberries or cherries.
5. Cheese Crackers
One of my favorite Cheese crackers is another great accompaniment to tea sandwiches. A variety of flavors, from mild cheddar to sharp blue cheese, will provide your dish a perfect balance to the delicate flavors of the sandwich fillings.
Consider adding some savory crackers such as garlic herb or olive oil crackers for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Cold Soup Bowls Gazpacho
Cold Soup Bowls Gazpacho is one of the most popular cold soups that pairs perfectly with any kind of tea sandwich.
Made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices; this delicious soup you can serve in individual bowls for an elegant touch.
Other types of cold soups, such as cucumber yogurt soup or vichyssoise, also make excellent companions to tea sandwiches.
7. Tomato Soup
This traditional classic is the perfect complement to tea sandwiches. Its hearty, comforting, and creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the delicate texture of tea sandwiches.
8. Grilled Cheese
What could be better than a warm melted cheese sandwich paired with your favorite teatime treat?
Make it extra special by adding some pesto or tomato to your classic grilled cheese for an added flavor kick!
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9. Egg Salad
Take a break from sweet treats with this savory egg salad sandwich that goes perfectly with a cup of tea in the afternoon tea time.
Top it off with some chives and fresh tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
10. Cranberry Nut Bread
For a sweeter option, you can try this slightly spiced and nutty cranberry bread. Its sweetness adds balance to the savory tea sandwich selection, making it a great option for afternoon tea.
11. Tuna Salad
You must try another classic lunchtime favorite that pairs perfectly with tea sandwiches and tuna salad – don’t forget to add some pickles for extra tanginess!
12. Avocado Toast
For a healthier yet still delicious pairing, avocado toast is perfect alongside your afternoon cup of tea and tea sandwiches.
You can also top it off with some feta cheese, tomatoes, and other herbs for added flavor.
13. Crostini
These little bites of crunchy toast topped with your favorite toppings make a great addition to any tea party or afternoon snack.
Top them off with pesto, ricotta cheese, or prosciutto for an extra special touch.
14. Mini Quiche
A mini quiche is a perfect option if you’re looking for something savory and substantial that pairs well with light sandwiches.
Make them ahead of time so all you have to do before guests arrive is heat them up!
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15. Tomato Bruschetta
This classic Italian appetizer makes an amazing accompaniment to tea sandwiches – You can top bruschetta with some fresh vegetables and herbs for an added flavor kick.
16. Salad
A light, healthy salad is the perfect side dish to pair with tea sandwiches.
Choose any combination of greens, vegetables, and other toppings – just make sure it’s not too heavy that it takes away from the delicate flavors of your sandwiches.
Moreover, Whether you’re making a simple green salad or adding more colorful ingredients like roasted beets, lettuce, and feta cheese, serving it alongside tea sandwiches is always a good option.
17. Grilled Veggies
Grill up some zucchini or eggplant slices to give your tea time spread a delicious smoky flavor! Serve them as-is, or top them off with pesto or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
18. Cheese Platter
A cheese platter is always a great option for pairing with tea sandwiches – choose a variety of cheeses and serve them with some crackers, olives, and dried fruits.
19. Muffins
A classic favorite that pairs wonderfully with tea sandwiches is muffins – from blueberry to lemon-poppyseed, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to make extra so your guests can take home leftovers as treats.
20. A hearty bowl of soup
From creamy potato leek soup to vegetable minestrone, there is something for everyone when it comes to soups!
Pairing soups with tea sandwiches will give you an extra crunch and flavor to any kind of soup.
21. Potato wedges
Potato wedges are incredibly tasty when served hot with ketchup or mayonnaise as dipping sauces. The crunchy texture goes perfectly with the lightness of the tea sandwich.
22. Pickles
If you’re looking for something tangier to pair with your tea sandwiches, why not opt for pickles?
From cucumber pickles to pickled onions and other vegetables, these flavorful condiments provide an exciting contrast that brings out the best in both snacks!
23. Nachos
Every party needs nachos! You can serve nachos up with some salsa dip and make sure you have enough for everyone who wants some tea sandwiches too!
24. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another great side dish when it comes to pairing tea sandwiches due to its crunchy texture and tangy taste that pairs incredibly well together!
25. Guacamole
Creamy guacamole is an excellent complement to your sandwich platter because its smooth creaminess balances out the crispiness from the toast cutouts perfectly!
Plus, it adds a bit of healthy nutrition too, which is always welcome at mealtime.
26. Fried onion rings
Onion rings can be either served fried or baked – either way, they offer up a delightful crunchy layer between the slices of bread on your sandwich platter, which makes them even tastier than usual!
27. Mexican-style corn on the cob
Roasted over hot coals or boiled in salted water, either way, this popular Latin American street food is delicious when paired with tea sandwiches!
It provides you an interesting flavor contrast thanks to its sweetness combined with the salty butter used during preparation which really sets it apart from other side dishes typically served at lunchtime meals.
28. French fries
Nothing beats classic French fries when it comes to accompaniments for any type of cuisine, including tea sandwiches, so make sure you have plenty on hand if you’re hosting a get-together soon!
29. Macaroni & Cheese
A rich, creamy macaroni & cheese dish makes for an irresistible side dish, especially alongside savory flavors like those found in toast cutouts from traditional afternoon tea service menus around the world.
So don’t be shy about adding this American favorite to your next dinner spread, either!
30. Baked potato wedges
If you want something lighter than fried onion rings but still crave that crunch factor, then try baking some soft potato wedges instead.
They offer up their own unique flavor profile while still providing plenty of satisfying textures when combined together atop one sandwich platter after another.
31. Eggplant Parmesan
If you’re feeling adventurous, then try out some eggplant Parmesan as a side dish.
Its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with savory flavors like those found in cold cuts, which usually come along with tea sandwich trays.
While its contrasting crispy outer layer contrasts wonderfully against soft inner layers from freshly cut vegetables inside each individual toast slice… yum!
32. Hummus
Last but certainly not least, hummus is always welcome at any gathering because it’s packed full of healthy protein plus offers up plenty of refreshing Middle Eastern flavors that help liven up any meal.
Whether served warm or chilled next time you host afternoon high teas at home, don’t forget about this delicious dip as an accompaniment option alongside all those lovely little hors d’oeuvres treats being passed around by waitstaff everywhere in style.
What are the best flavors to go with tea sandwiches?
Tea sandwiches are an elegant and versatile snack that can be prepared with a variety of breads, spreads, and fillings to craft the perfect bite.
For a traditional tea sandwich, look no further than the classic flavor pairings of cucumber and cream cheese or smoked salmon and dill.
For something bolder in flavor, incorporate ingredients such as roasted red pepper hummus and feta or capers and avocado.
Pesto is another great option that works well with both sweet and savory fillings.
Regardless of which flavors you choose, accompany your tea sandwiches with a freshly brewed cup of tea or herbal blend for an afternoon social experience that is sure to impress your guests.
What are the best Tea sandwich toppings?
Tea sandwiches are a delicious and classic snack that is often served on special occasions.
The traditional top picks for tea sandwich toppings include thinly-sliced cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, cream cheese with chives and olive tapenade.
However, you don’t have to stick with these old favorites!
For an interesting twist on the traditional tea sandwich toppings, why not try avocado and lime with a sprinkle of chili flakes or roasted red pepper and feta with fresh dill?
Adding herbs such as mint or basil also adds flavor and visual interest as well.
The possibilities are boundless when it comes to creating the perfect tea sandwich topping – however you choose to build yours, you can be sure that it will be enjoyable for everyone!
How do you jazz up tea sandwiches?
Spice up your next tea sandwich with an array of unique flavors! Consider layering in options such as roasted red peppers, sliced eggs, and dill pickles for a delicious combination that you’re sure to love.
For extra flavor, swap mornay sauce or pesto for mayonnaise in the recipe.
Or, top the sandwiches with cheese and your favorite herb before broiling until golden brown and melty.
Finish off the sandwich with a touch of honey mustard, chili paste, or orange marmalade to really bring out the flavor!
With these simple yet thoughtful touches, you can transform basic tea sandwiches into something truly special.
How should tea sandwiches be served?
Tea sandwiches can be presented in an array of beautiful and delicious ways.
One option is to serve the bite-sized treats on a tiered platter with different types of tea sandwiches for variety.
The delicate crunch of thin crusts filled with buttercream or jelly goes nicely with thicker, crumbly biscuits layered with smoked salmon.
To further highlight the flavor combinations, consider garnishments such as fresh dill or chives.
For a warm presentation, tea sandwiches can be served hot and buttered on fresh croissants or toast points.
When it comes to afternoon tea, nothing beats the charm of an inviting selection of finger sandwiches.
FAQs on what to serve with tea sandwiches
Q1. How many finger sandwiches per person for afternoon tea?
Planning a perfect afternoon tea can be tricky business. Serving the right amount of finger sandwiches per person is an important part of getting it right. When considering the appropriate number of sandwiches per guest, think about their hunger level and the other food that will be served at the event.
Generally, three small finger sandwiches or two larger ones should suffice when serving tea to adults. However, considering that these sandwiches are usually small, you could always go for four without it being overly generous.
When hosting children, increase the portions to suit larger appetites. With a little bit of thought and preparation, you should be able to estimate how many finger sandwiches each person will need for afternoon tea!
Q2. What are the 5 most popular sandwich fillings combinations?
When it comes to sandwiches, the world of flavor combinations is endless. From classic to creative, there are an array of popular sandwich fillings combinations.
Topping the list are bacon, lettuce and tomato; ham and cheese; grilled cheese; Italian cold-cuts and cheese; and egg salad.
Whether you top the bacon with mayonnaise or keep it simple with just tomatoes on your grilled cheese, these five fillings allow for variation while ensuring a delicious experience every time.
Q3. What brand of bread is best for tea sandwiches?
When creating delicious tea sandwiches, the best bread to use is lightly-textured, thinly-sliced white bread. Slice the loaf thinly and evenly to ensure you have enough pieces of bread for the desired number of tea sandwiches.
Keep in mind that the bread should be fresh and not too crumbly so that it doesn’t break or tear while handling.
Some popular brands of perfect tea sandwich bread are Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White Bread, Wonder Classic White Bread, and Sunbeam Soft & Fluffy Classic White Bread. All three brands are light yet strong enough to handle being filled with a variety of ingredients without breaking apart or becoming soggy.
