A classic, British cheese and pickle tea sandwiches can be made in minutes using just 3 ingredients. These 2-bite sandwiches are perfectly sweet, tangy, and salty.

Cheese and Pickle Tea Sandwiches

A cheese and pickle sandwich is a British classic and this mini version is perfect for tea time. It’s one of the easiest afternoon tea recipes to make at home. It only takes 3 ingredients and there’s no cooking involved, just some prep and assembly.

When the British refer to a classic cheese and pickle sandwich, they usually mean Branston Pickle and not the typical sliced dill sandwich pickles. The cheese is usually a sharp cheddar.

Branston pickle is a British relish spread that’s made with diced vegetables like carrot, onion, and rutabaga. It has a chunky, chutney-like texture.

The spread has a sweet-spicy flavor and it’s paired with cheddar cheese, which is sharp and salty. Since both are vegetarian, this is a wonderful meat-free option to serve at afternoon tea.

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Recipe Highlights

• These tasty 3-ingredient tea sandwiches with a pot of tea adds a British touch to tea time.
• Bread and cheese are cut into small circles using a cookie cutter to make delicate bite-sized sandwiches.
• This recipe makes 4 tea sandwiches (serves 2 people), but you can increase it to make a bigger batch.

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Ingredient Notes

• White bread: It’s best to use a soft sandwich bread that isn’t too thick.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Use any pre-sliced packaged sharp cheddar.
• Branston pickle: This chunky pickle is a classic British condiment. Get the small chunk pickle to make it easier to spread.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 3: Assemble the sandwich.

Spread Branston pickle on the top side of a bread circle. Place a cheese circle on top. Spread Branston pickle on another bread circle and place pickle-side down on top of the cheese.

Recipe Notes

Don’t spread on too much of the Branston pickle.

Adding on too much of the pickle spread can make it too messy to eat. Plus, both the Branston pickle and cheddar cheese are salty and flavorful, so use it in moderation.

Serve these at room temperature.

Since tea sandwiches are traditionally enjoyed at room temperature and not cold, it’s recommended to make these just ahead of serving. If preparing in advance, take them out of the fridge 15 minutes ahead of time to warm them up.

Make them ahead of time.

When making these tea sandwiches in advance, spread a thin layer of butter on the sides of the bread that touches the Branston pickle to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

You can also cut out the cheese and bread ahead of time, but assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

To store the tea sandwiches overnight in the refrigerator, loosely cover the prepared sandwiches with wax paper and a damp paper towel in an airtight container. Don’t let the damp paper towel touch the sandwiches.

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Expert Tips

• A cookie cutter that’s about 2″ works the best.
• Freeze bread to get the cleanest cuts.
• You can use cookie cutters in other shapes, but it’s best to go with simple ones.
• If you have the regular Branston pickle, not small chunk, you can chop it with a knife to get smaller pieces, which will make it easier to spread.
• It’s best to enjoy these tea sandwiches with black tea. English Breakfast tea and Earl Grey are both great options as part of an afternoon tea spread.

Questions You May Have

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