By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 13, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches are the healthy snack of choice for any and every occasion. These classic finger sandwiches are a favorite of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself.
Whether you’re having an afternoon tea party or just want to try something new, these delightful creations are sure to please everyone. Even though this dish is traditionally served during tea time, it can also be enjoyed any time of the day.
Do not miss out on this delicious treat! Now, you must be thinking about how to make this delicious snack. Well, it is easier than you think! Read on to find out how easy it is to make these delicious treats! So gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
What Is Barefoot Contessa tea sandwiches?
Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches, also known as ‘finger sandwiches’, are small sandwiches made with thin slices of bread and a variety of fillings.
This dish is named after the famous American chef and television personality Ina Garten, who popularized it on her show “Barefoot Contessa”.
These tea sandwiches are typically served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Plus, they are great for entertaining as they can be served in a variety of ways.
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- Chicken Scarpariello Barefoot Contessa Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli
Where Did I First Try barefoot contessa tea sandwiches?
I first tried Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches at a dinner party. I was invited to my friend’s house for the evening, and as soon as I arrived, I could smell something delicious coming from their kitchen. My friend is a great fan of Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa.
When I went in to say hello, I saw that they had prepared a selection of tea sandwiches on a large platter. The sandwiches were triangular in shape and were made with thinly sliced white bread, which had been lightly toasted.
They also had a creamy spread that was bright yellow in color, which I later found out was a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. On top of this creamy mixture were several different fillings, including smoked salmon, cucumber slices, watercress, and egg salad. I have to say that the flavor combinations were amazing and each sandwich had a unique flavor.
I was so impressed with these tea sandwiches that I decided to recreate them at home. After researching different recipes online, I found the Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches recipe, which is the one I have used ever since. I’m sure when you try it, you will love it too!
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
Ingredients
- White or whole-wheat bread: It is important to use thinly sliced bread for this recipe. The bread should be cut into triangles for a classic look.
- Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese before using it in the recipe. This will make it easier to spread onto the bread slices and also give a smooth flavor.
- Salt and pepper: This is used to season the creamy spread.
- Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise helps to make the cream cheese spread more creamy.
- Lemon juice: A few drops of lemon juice will give a nice zing and flavor to the creamy spread.
- Assorted fillings: You can use any kind of filling you like for this recipe, from cucumber slices, smoked salmon, watercress, egg salad, chicken salad, and more. Get creative!
Cooking Directions
Step 1
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until completely blended.
Step 2
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
Step 3
Now add some cucumber slices in between two slices of bread or any other filling you desire.
Step 4
Cut them into triangles or rectangles.
Step 5
Garnish whatever you like. Ready to serve.
Tips
- To make the sandwiches more flavorful, you can add some fresh herbs or spices to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you want to use a different kind of bread, such as rye or sourdough, feel free to do so. Just be sure that it is thinly sliced.
- You should use softened cream cheese for the best results. And, if you have time, you can make your own homemade cream cheese spread.
- If you don’t have enough time to soften it, you can use room-temperature cream cheese instead.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have any cream cheese, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese instead.
- You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt to make it healthier.
- The lemon juice can be replaced with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- You can also replace the assorted fillings with anything you like, from tuna salad to ham and cheese.
Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches
Equipment
- bowl
- Electric mixer, etc.
Ingredients
- 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper providing a delicate hint of spiciness to balance the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice adding a vibrant and zesty tang that brightens up the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons of gourmet mayonnaise lending a luxurious and velvety smoothness to the mixture.
- 4 ounces of luscious cream cheese softened to a dreamy consistency, perfect for creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- 1/2 loaf of freshly baked sliced white or whole wheat bread, offering a delightful combination of softness and slight nuttiness.
- 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt infusing a subtle touch of brininess that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until completely blended.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
- Now add some cucumber slices in between two slices of bread or any other filling you desire.
- Cut them into triangles or rectangles.
- Garnish whatever you like. Ready to serve.
Notes
- To make the sandwiches more flavorful, you can add some fresh herbs or spices to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you want to use a different kind of bread, such as rye or sourdough, feel free to do so. Just be sure that it is thinly sliced.
- You should use softened cream cheese for the best results. And, if you have time, you can make your own homemade cream cheese spread.
- If you don’t have enough time to soften it, you can use room-temperature cream cheese instead.
Nutrition Information
Each sandwich contains approximately:
- Calories: 144 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 132mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g
How to Store Leftover Barefoot Contessa tea sandwiches?
Any leftover tea sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, though they may lose some of their flavor after being frozen. So it is better to eat them as soon as possible.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this as long as they don’t have any allergies to any of the ingredients. For sure this dish is an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dish is suitable for vegans if the fillings and cream cheese are made with vegan substitutes like non-dairy cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these sandwiches ahead of time if you store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I serve with it?
You can serve these sandwiches with a variety of sides such as a green salad, potato chips, or pickles. You can also add some fresh fruit and vegetables to create an even more complete meal.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches. These sandwiches are a great way to create an easy appetizer or light meal and they can be customized with whatever fillings you like!
I hope that this guide has given you some useful tips and information about how to make the perfect tea sandwich.
Feel free to share this article with your close friends and family so they can also enjoy this delicious treat.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
