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

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.
Let's get to the recipe
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.
Instructions
Make sure your bread is fresh and soft!
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.
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.
Traditional tea sandwiches have the crusts removed, using a serrated knife helps you not squish the bread.
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.
If you love salmon then check out my recipe for easy-baked salmon.
FAQ
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.
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!
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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PrintRecipe Card
Smoked Salmon Sandwich
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
- 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.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Prepare
- Cuisine: English
Keywords: smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, afternoon tea salmon sandwich
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Suzanne says
I made these for an afternoon tea for my girlfriends and this was everyone's favorite sandwich! Will definitely be making for lunches and not just tea!
★★★★★
Elizabeth Waterson says
Thanks so much for the 5-star review Suzanne, so glad you enjoyed the sandwiches! XX Liz