Tea Party Food Ideas - Savory Edition (2024)

This post shows you the best savory appetizers for your next tea party.

Index

Classic Savoury Recipe Collection

What foods do you serve at a tea party?

Ah, the quintessential tea party – a delightful social gathering steeped in tradition. But let’s face it, cucumber sandwiches and scones, while undeniably charming, can sometimes feel a tad predictable.

What if you crave a menu that tantalizes taste buds while staying true to the elegant spirit of afternoon tea?

This guide will unveil a delectable spread of options, ensuring your next tea party is both elegant and satisfying.

Sweet Treats to Tantalize the Taste Buds

Classic Delights

No tea party is complete without some timeless favorites. Delicate scones with clotted cream and jam, buttery shortbread cookies, and miniature fruit tarts are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Elegant Pastries

Elevate your spread with a selection of pastries. Think flaky croissants filled with almond cream, miniature éclairs bursting with flavored cream, or bite-sized fruit turnovers for a touch of sweetness.

Globally Inspired Treats

Take your guests on a culinary adventure! Serve madeleines from France, delicate Japanese mochi filled with sweet bean paste, or mini versions of Indian gulab jamuns for a touch of exotic flair.

Seasonal Specialties

Embrace the bounty of the season! Opt for fresh fruit tarts in the summer, warm cinnamon buns in the fall, or gingerbread cookies adorned with royal icing for a festive winter wonderland tea party.

Savory Delights to Delight Your Guests

Finger Food

Tea parties are all about conversation and enjoying delectable morsels. Here’s where savory options come in! Mini quiches with endless filling possibilities, elegant open-faced tea sandwiches with gourmet ingredients, or vegetable crudités with a selection of flavorful dips are all perfect for easy mingling.

Warm and Comforting Bakes

For a more substantial tea party, consider including some warm savory dishes. Mini sausage rolls are a classic British favorite, while potato and leek mini pasties or savory hand pies offer a delightful handheld option.

Dietary Considerations

When planning your menu, be sure to consider any dietary restrictions. Explore vegetarian options like mini spanakopitas or savory tarts, or create gluten-free delights with alternative flours for quiche crusts or tea sandwiches.

How many pieces of finger food per person for afternoon tea?

The ideal number of finger food pieces per person for an afternoon tea depends on several factors, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:

Factors to Consider

Duration of the Event

Short Afternoon Tea (1-2 hours)

Aim for 5-8 delectable finger food pieces per person. This provides enough variety for your guests to enjoy a delightful selection without feeling overly full before the scones or a potential additional course arrive.

Longer Afternoon Tea (over 2 hours)

Plan for 10-12 delectable finger food pieces per person. This increased quantity allows guests to graze throughout the afternoon, enjoying a steady stream of delicious bites without feeling overwhelmed.

Meal Type

Afternoon Tea as Main Event

For a more substantial spread, consider 10-12 pieces per person. This ensures guests have a steady stream of delicious bites throughout the event.

Afternoon Tea with Additional Courses

If you’re serving scones, pastries, or a small plated course alongside finger foods, adjust the portion size accordingly. A range of 4-6 pieces per person might suffice.

General Recommendations

Variety is Key

Offer a selection of finger foods with different flavors and textures to keep things interesting.

Consider Dietary Needs

If you have guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to include some vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

What kind of bread is best for tea sandwiches?

Tea sandwiches, those delicate finger foods filled with delectable delights, are a cornerstone of any afternoon tea spread. But the bread you choose can make or break these delightful morsels.

Choosing the right bread is crucial for creating tea sandwiches that are not only delicious but also structurally sound and visually appealing. Let’s delve into the world of bread for afternoon tea and discover which options reign supreme.

The Timeless Classics: White Bread

White bread remains a timeless choice for afternoon tea sandwiches, offering a neutral canvas for an array of fillings.

Pullman Loaf

This square-shaped white bread, known for its uniform crumb and lack of a crust, allows for perfectly rectangular sandwiches with minimal waste.

Sliced White Bread

A readily available option, sliced white bread can work well. However, opt for a brand known for softness and freshness.

Stepping Beyond White Bread

Wheat Bread

For a touch of nutty flavor and added fiber, consider whole wheat bread. However, choose a variety with a fine crumb to prevent the bread from overpowering the fillings.

Rye Bread

For a more substantial and savory base, rye bread offers a delightful option. This pairs beautifully with strong-flavored fillings like smoked salmon, corned beef, or even a robust cheese spread.pen_spark

Sourdough Bread

This tangy bread, with its signature sourdough flavor and slightly chewy texture, adds a unique dimension to afternoon tea sandwiches. It pairs well with strong cheeses, roasted vegetables, or even a creamy chicken salad.

Pumpernickel Bread

Don’t forget the distinctive and slightly rye-like flavor of pumpernickel bread! This dark, dense bread is perfect for strong-flavored fillings like pastrami, smoked duck, or even a rich pate.

Japanese Milk Bread (Shokupan)

Embrace a touch of Asian-inspired elegance with Japanese milk bread. This incredibly soft and fluffy bread, with its mildly sweet flavor, adds a luxurious touch to afternoon tea sandwiches. Consider fillings like egg salad with a touch of kewpie mayonnaise, or even a delicate chicken salad with a hint of wasabi.

How far in advance can tea sandwiches be made?

Here’s a breakdown on how far in advance you can prepare these delightful finger foods to help you find the perfect timing:

The Balancing Act: Freshness vs. Convenience

The ideal timeframe for making tea sandwiches in advance depends on a few factors:

Bread Choice

Certain breads, like white bread or wheat bread, tend to hold their moisture and structure better than others. Avoid fillings that can make bread soggy too quickly, like creamy cucumber salad. Avoid crusty baguettes or breads that dry out quickly.

Fillings and Storage

The type of fillings you choose also plays a crucial role. Drier fillings like egg salad or chicken salad fare better than those with high moisture content. Storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator is key to maintaining freshness. Avoid fillings with high water content like cucumber or tomato, which can make the bread soggy.

24 Hours Ahead (The Safe Zone)

48 Hours Ahead

While some tea sandwiches can last up to 48 hours with careful preparation, proceed with caution. Focus on fillings with minimal moisture content and choose breads known for their structure. Fillings with high moisture content, like egg salad with mayonnaise or tuna salad, can become soggy if stored for too long. Aim for a maximum of 36 hours for these fillings, and prioritize airtight storage in the refrigerator.

Maximizing Freshness: Tips for Make-Ahead Tea Sandwiches

Here are some tips to ensure your make-ahead tea sandwiches stay delicious:

Butter Your Bread

Spreading a thin layer of butter on the bread creates a barrier between the bread and the fillings, helping to prevent sogginess.

Pat Dry Ingredients

Ensure all your ingredients, especially vegetables, are dry before assembling the sandwiches. Excess moisture can quickly lead to a soggy mess.

Separate Fillings and Bread

For ultimate control over freshness, consider storing the fillings and bread separately. Assemble the sandwiches right before serving.

Consider Freezing Options

For a longer-term solution, you can freeze unfilled bread slices. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the sandwiches.

How to cut perfect sandwiches for afternoon tea?

Serrated Bread Knife is Key

Ditch the dull butter knife! Opt for a sharp serrated bread knife. The serrated edges gently saw through the bread, preventing tearing and crumbling – crucial for those picture-perfect slices.

Bread Preparation

Use fresh bread with a good structure that holds its shape when sliced. Avoid bread that’s dry or crumbly, as it will be difficult to cut cleanly.

Steady Slicing

Use a sawing motion with your knife, applying gentle pressure. Aim for even slices, ideally around ¼ inch thick for most fillings.

Square Up the Sides

Once the sandwich is filled and assembled, use your knife to gently trim off any uneven edges, creating a neat and square shape.

With a little practice and these handy tips, you’ll be cutting perfect afternoon tea sandwiches in no time, adding a touch of elegance and delight to your next gathering.

Classic Savory Recipe Collection

1. Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

Indulge in the sophistication of Smoked Salmon English Tea Sandwiches. Delicate layers of silky cream cheese, infused with the freshness of dill, cradle luscious smoked salmon. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a touch of luxury to your tea party experience.

2. Egg and cress tea sandwiches

3. Spicy Avocado Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches

4. Date & Roasted Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

5. Cheese and Onion Cheese Sandwiches

Ever wondered what goes into a truly delicious cheese savoury sandwich? Look no further! This recipe unlocks the secrets of the classic British cheese and onion sandwich, a simple yet satisfying combination you can whip up in minutes.

6. Ribbon Tea Sandwiches

7. Ham and Cheese Tea Sandwiches

8. Coronation Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

Debuting at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Coronation Chicken Salad remains a timeless favorite that continues to captivate taste buds today.

9. Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Crafted in the early 1900s by Louisville, Kentucky, restaurateur Jennie Benedict, Benedictine is a refreshing blend of cream cheese, cucumber, and onion. It serves as the ideal spread for creating effortlessly elegant Benedictine Tea Sandwiches.

10. Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches

11. Radish Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Dill Spread

In this delightful radish tea sandwich recipe featuring a luscious dill spread, these dainty tea sandwiches are presented in an open-face style, showcasing the charming arrangement of thinly sliced radishes on top.

12. Curried-Egg Tea Sandwiches

13. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

14. Tiffany & Co. Corned Beef and Cheese Tea Sandwiches

15. Garlic Toast Points with Marbled Beet Chevre and Edible Flowers

Savor the exquisite flavors of Garlic Toast Points adorned with Marbled Beet Chevre and delicate Edible Flowers.

16. Roast Beef–RadishTea Sandwiches

Enjoy the delightful Roast Beef–Radish Tea Sandwiches with Sour Cream–Horseradish Aïoli, perfect for any season of the year.

17. Radish Rose Tea Sandwiches with Lemon Butter

Delight in these bite-sized, open-faced beauties adorned with a radish rose – exquisite tea sandwiches that add a touch of elegance to tea time, as well as bridal and baby showers.

18. Ham Sandwiches With Olive, Fig and Almond Tapenade

Savor the delectable combination of Ham Sandwiches with Olive, Fig, and Almond Tapenade.

19. Salmon and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Delicate cucumber slices and slivers of smoky salmon nestled between soft, buttery bread create a delightful finger food for afternoon tea, offering a refreshing and elegant combination of textures and flavors.

20. Herbed Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Tangy goat cheese gets a vibrant upgrade in these herbed tea sandwiches. Fresh herbs like chives and parsley mingle with the creamy cheese, creating a delightful and flavorful finger food perfect for afternoon tea.

Serving must-haves

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