How to Make the Best Smoked Salmon Sandwich

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This recipe for how to make smoked salmon sandwiches is simple and delicious. Whipped cream cheese, herbs, and smoked salmon are the perfect combo!

smoked salmon sandwich triangles on a white plate on a pink linen

Growing up my mom and aunties would sometimes host an Afternoon Tea party. Then as I started working in a British Pub we would host Afternoon Teas, and one of my favorite things to do visiting new cities is to find a delicious high tea. There is something about numerous dainty sandwiches, lots of treats, and copious amounts of clotted cream with fresh scones that makes me incredibly happy.

A smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich is a classic afternoon tea sandwich, I always hope to find when I go to high tea. Luckily, making one at home is incredibly easy as well. Perfect for a brunch.

hand holding smoked salmon sandwich up to the camera

Let's get to the recipe

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Ingredients
Instructions
FAQ
More afternoon tea recipes
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Ingredients

Since this is a simple sandwich using quality ingredients is key to making the best-smoked salmon sandwich.

Bread. I often use white sandwich bread or rye sandwich bread, both are delicious. You want thick slices of bread, not too thin!
Whipped Cream Cheese. I love the airiness of whipped cream cheese but you can use softened brick-style cream cheese.
Smoked Salmon. I like Scottish Smoked Salmon but I also enjoy Honey Smoked Salmon.
Fresh Chives. I love pairing chives with salmon. Chop them nice and thin!
Fresh Parsley. I love parsley, gives it a little something extra but nothing too crazy. If you like fresh dill you could use that instead.
Salt and Black Pepper. I use a light hand with the salt and a heavy hand with the pepper.

Fresh lemon juice is a great way to give the sandwich a bright, citrus flavor.

If you want to "beef" up your sandwich adding beefsteak tomato slices, red onion slices, fresh avocado, or cucumber slices would be scrumptious!

Sometimes we make smoked salmon appetizers- same concept but use a slice of toast and serve it open-faced. If you like capers they would be a great topping too!

For ingredient quantities please reference the recipe card below. On the recipe card there is a button for US or M (Metric) measurements.

two pieces of smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches stacked on top of each other

Instructions

Make sure your bread is fresh and soft!

two slices of white sandwich bread on a white plate on a white marble surface with a pink linen

Slather a thick layer of cream cheese on top of the bread slices, both sides!

Then layer a few pieces of smoked salmon on one slice of bread.

cream cheese spread on white bread with smoked salmon on one half

Now add your fresh herbs- I used parsley and chives. Then add a little salt and pepper to taste.

You could always mix the cream cheese with the herbs in a small bowl before spreading it on the bread if you want.

close up of cream cheese spread on bread with fresh herbs and smoked salmon on a white plate on a marble surface

Traditional tea sandwiches have the crusts removed, using a serrated knife helps you not squish the bread.

serrated knife cutting crusts off of the smoked salmon sandwich

You can cut two diagonals to make triangles or cut the sandwich into thirds to make three rectangular sandwiches.

These are best served right away. If you want to make them ahead of time then I suggest storing them in the fridge with a damp paper towel or damp lightweight tea towel or cheesecloth covering them to help prevent the bread from drying out.

close up of a cream cheese and salmon sandwich on a white marble surface

FAQ

Can you make this ahead of time?

If preparing ahead of time place on a sheet pan and place a damp paper towel on top of keeping the sandwiches from drying out.

What other types of bread can I use?

Rye bread is another great combination.

More afternoon tea recipes

This cucumber and cream cheese sandwich is always a staple and perfect for vegetarians.

A coffee layer cake is always a show-stopper when I host!

Bet you've never had something like these Viennese Whirls cookies!

two smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches on a white plate on a pink linen on a white marble surface

★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

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Recipe Card

Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Print Recipe

This recipe for how to make smoked salmon sandwiches is simple and delicious. Whipped cream cheese, herbs, and smoked salmon are the perfect combo!

Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 Sandwich 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 Slices White Sandwich Bread or Rye Sandwich Bread
1oz-2oz Whipped Cream Cheese,
2-3 Slices Smoked Salmon- I like Scottish
Fresh Chives, finely chopped
Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions

Take two slices of white bread and spread them both with cream cheese. I like to use whipped cream cheese but you can use block cream cheese that has been softened.
Layer the smoked salmon as thick as you like, I prefer 2-3 slices and sprinkle on salt and pepper then add chopped herbs. Use a serrated knife to cut the crusts off and slice the sandwich into three rectangles or slice the sandwich in a diagonal both ways to create 4 triangles. Serve immediately.
If preparing ahead of time place on a sheet pan and place a damp light tea towel or cheesecloth or paper towel on top of keeping the sandwiches from drying out.

Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
Prep Time: 5
Category: Lunch
Method: Prepare
Cuisine: English