20 best afternoon tea sandwich ideas
Put together an afternoon tea spread to impress with our best sandwich recipes and fabulous filling ideas. We've got classic flavours like cucumber and ploughman's with modern twists
Put together an assortment of sensational sandwiches for your afternoon tea spread. From delicate finger sandwiches to open-faced rye breads and chunky rolls, we have something for everyone.
Select your favourites from our afternoon tea recipes to fill your plates. We have it all covered; from scones and sweets to savoury bites and drinks. Plus, check out our easy sandwich fillings and browse our collection of sandwich recipes for more inspiration.
Top afternoon tea sandwich tips
- Getting ahead of the game with your sweet selection is a good idea, but don't assemble your sandwiches too early, as they will go soggy or dry out before you get the chance to sample.
- You can prepare any mixed fillings in advance and leave in the fridge until you're ready.
- Providing a meaty, vegetarian and a vegan option is the best way to cover all your bases.
- Mix up your presentation by providing open-faced sandwiches, stacked club sandwiches and delicately sliced finger sandwiches.
Best ever afternoon tea sandwiches
1. Egg & cress club sandwich
We're kicking off with a classic sarnie combination. These toasted egg and cress club sandwiches work well as part of a summer family picnic. Skewer each sandwich with a sandwich pick and serve with crisps.
Looking for a vegan version? Try our egg-less mayo sandwiches, which substitute egg for tofu.
2. Cucumber & herb triple-deckers
Give the classic soft cheese and cucumber a facelift with a sprinkling of chives and refreshing mint flavour. With a couple of simple ingredients and some smart presentation, you can turn this standard sarnie into something special. Prefer to stick to the traditional? Try our soft cheese & cucumber fingers.
Find more inspiration on using cucumbers: perfect for salads, sandwich fillers and summery drinks.
3. Green club sandwich
You just can't beat a club. This hearty sandwich is chock full of creamy hummus, slices of avocado and sweet cherry tomatoes. With a handful of peppery rocket, this versatile veggie sandwich is filling and packed with texture. Try using red pepper hummus for a flavourful mix-up.
For more inspiration on stacked sandwiches, check out our club sandwich recipes.
4. Caprese sandwich
Load slices of pillowy focaccia with pesto, mozzarella, rocket, red onion and tomato. A super simple sandwich that involves no cooking, it’s a great crowd-pleaser – plus it’s vegetarian. Ideal for an afternoon tea or a lovely day out in the sun.
Considering a family day out in the park? Make sure to have the best time with our best picnic accessories for summer, and where best to start than with the best picnic hampers and baskets for summer? It's also important to do your bit for the planet, so consider our best sustainable picnicware to minimise waste.
For more great ideas on vegetarian suitable picnic foods, try our vegetarian picnic recipes.
5. Coronation egg mayo sandwiches
Combine two confirmed classics to create a sandwich worthy of any extensive afternoon tea selection. Bring the classic curry flavours to a traditional egg mayo and use Greek yogurt to balance out the korma paste spices.
Make the most of this highly versatile and budget-friendly ingredient with our egg recipes.
6. Crispy chilli chicken kimchi mayo sandwich
Spice up your sandwich game with this high-protein crispy chilli chicken and kimchi mayo ciabatta. Perfectly golden chicken, tangy kimchi and bold flavours in every bite, it's a must-try.
If you like the look of this, you're sure to love our chicken recipe collection.
7. Tuna salad sandwich
A tuna salad sandwich makes a simple, yet satisfying addition to your afternoon tea spread. If you'd like to turn it into a tuna melt, simply toast the bread, then top one with cheese and grill until bubbling.
Find more ways to use up a tin of tuna in our tinned tuna recipe collection.
8. Ham sandwich
Ready in 10 minutes, this no-cook ham sarnie is perfect for when time is of the essence. It's super customisable, too — you could add cucumber, salad cream or piccalilli to this sandwich. We like a few salad leaves and tomatoes for freshness, too.
Find more ways to use up ham in our leftover ham recipe collection.
9. Pastrami sandwich
Layer up the pastrami to make an unforgettable no-cook sarnie, complete with Swiss cheese, lettuce, sauerkraut and mustard-mayo. Ready in just 10 minutes, skewer in place with a cocktail stick and serve to hungry guests.
Fan of pastrami? You'll love these hot pastrami bagels.
10. Mortadella, burrata & pistachio pesto ciabatta
Load slices of crunchy ciabatta with mortadella, burrata, olives, rocket and a nutty pistachio pesto. A knockout sarnie that involves no cooking, it’s a true crowd-pleaser which is sure to impress your guests.
Find more similar recipes in our collection of ciabatta recipes.
11. Next level steak sandwich
Whip up this ultimate steak sandwich. Succulent sirloin steaks are loaded with tangy onions, stilton, tomatoes and lettuce, with a hint of horseradish. Check out our triple-decker steak sandwich too.
12. Loaded open sandwiches
These dainty open sandwiches make for an impressive afternoon tea option, showcasing a range of colourful toppings. Top these Scandi-style sarnies with sliced cucumber and cream cheese, shredded ham and eggs.
Alternatively, try our egg & avocado open sandwich.
13. Ploughman's sandwich
Try our retro take on the classic ploughman's sandwich. The classic combination of ham, cheese and pickles is elevated with the addition of mustard-mayo, apple and smoked ham.
14. Beetroot, hummus & crispy chickpea sub sandwich
Need a tasty, easy vegan option? Load a sub with homemade hummus, beetroot, chickpeas and salad to make this filling vegan sandwich. Devour it all when hunger strikes or divide into more dainty bites perfect for an afternoon tea.
Check out more vegan sandwich recipes or try our vegan afternoon tea recipes for the perfect plant-based afternoon set up.
15. Mozzarella meatball subs
Are you a fan of an excellent saucy burger? Why not try this tasty sub – a winning alternative filled with meatballs and mozzarella that melts as it cooks, all basted in a rich tomato sauce. A little messier to eat, but a tasty afternoon tea addition.
For other recipes using the mighty baguette as a base, try our baguette recipes.
16. Fish finger hot dogs
This twist on a classic fish finger sandwich will be an easy family favourite. Try Paul Ainsworth's trick of lightly salting the cod to firm it up before cooking – it's a game-changer.
For more affordable and family-friendly fish dishes, try our budget fish recipes.
17. Katsu sandos
Take some inspiration from Japan and try our cheat's version of the katsu sando. Pile crunchy, colourful slaw, crispy pork and a quick tonkatsu sauce onto white bread for the ultimate savoury treat. The textures and flavours are spot-on.
For more recipes inspired by Japan, try our Japanese recipes.
18. Panuozzo sandwich
These pizza inspired baguettes are a fantastic option for afternoon tea as they’re quick and easy to make. The use of homemade pesto adds a lovely personal touch and is extra flavoursome, plus it will trick guests into thinking these sandwiches are super impressive.
19. Spiced prawn cocktail subs
These spiced prawn cocktail sandwiches are perfect for any afternoon tea or picnic. The mix of sweet and spicy from the mango chutney and curry powder is perfectly balanced, and you can assemble it right before serving for maximum freshness.
For more inspiration on how to enjoy prawns, try our prawn recipes.
20. Stuffed rainbow baguette
Pack up the perfect picnic sandwich for your afternoon tea. This veggie rainbow baguette is filled with hummus, pesto and an array of colourful veg such as beetroot, red pepper, carrot and green leaves.
Even more fab sandwich fillers inspiration
Want some simple filling options you can make with storecupboard ingredients? For a satisfying veggie option, try our cheesy apple slaw or a Marmite, cheddar and cucumber combo. Make a decidedly grown-up spread with our salmon smash or creamy smoked mackerel sandwiches.
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What's your favourite sandwich filling? Leave a comment below...
