These asparagus finger sandwiches are perfect for afternoon tea, a light appetizer, or a simple snack. With just three main ingredients—soft sandwich bread, creamy cream cheese, and tender green asparagus—you get a delicate, elegant bite that’s quick to prepare and delightful to serve.
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that always feels a bit special. It offers crisp texture and bright flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy spreads. For gatherings, it’s an easy way to add color and elegance to your appetizer table without a lot of fuss.
These finger sandwiches combine soft bread with a generous layer of cream cheese and a row of blanched asparagus spears for a pleasant crunch. They’re light, pretty, and easy to customize—great for tea parties, bridal showers, or a quick savory snack.
Ingredients Used to Make These Finger Sandwiches
- Sandwich bread – any sandwich bread you like: whole wheat, gluten-free, or another preferred variety. Use what you have at home and the sandwiches will still turn out well.
- Cream cheese – plain or flavored cream cheese works. You can use whipped, herbed, low-fat, or a vegan alternative if you prefer.
- Asparagus – fresh asparagus spears, blanched briefly to keep them bright green and tender-crisp.
How to Make
Asparagus Finger Sandwiches
STEP 1
Blanch asparagus: Boil the asparagus spears for 2–3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps the spears vibrant and crisp-tender.
STEP 2
Spread a layer of cream cheese on one side of each bread slice. We recommend applying cream cheese to both slices so the asparagus stays in place and every bite is creamy.
STEP 3
Line up the asparagus spears on the bread and trim the ends so the spears fit the length of the bread. They don’t need to be perfect—just even enough to form a neat row.
STEP 4
Place the second slice of bread on top, cream-cheese side down, forming the sandwich.
STEP 5
Remove the crusts from the sandwiches with a serrated knife for a classic finger-sandwich look.
STEP 6
Cut each sandwich in half perpendicular to the asparagus to create tidy finger-sized pieces.
STEP 7
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Recipe Variations and Optional Add-Ins
- Use flavored or herbed cream cheese for extra taste.
- Add thin slices of smoked salmon or prosciutto for a more substantial appetizer.
- Sprinkle fresh lemon zest or cracked black pepper over the cream cheese before adding asparagus for brightness.
How to Make this Gluten Free or Vegan
- Make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free sandwich bread.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese made from almond, cashew, or soy.
How to Store
- Keep sandwiches covered at room temperature for 2–3 hours.
- For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days. Note: bread may become slightly soggy over time, so they’re best eaten the day they’re made.
Final Tips
- Whipped cream cheese spreads more easily and gives a lighter texture, but any cream cheese will work.
- Trim asparagus to fit the bread length, and don’t overcook when blanching—aim for bright, tender-crisp spears.
Asparagus Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread of choice
- 4 Tbsp whipped cream cheese (about 1 Tbsp per slice)
- ½ bunch asparagus spears
Instructions
- Blanch asparagus: boil spears 2–3 minutes, then transfer to ice water until cool.
- Spread whipped cream cheese on one side of each bread slice (about 1 Tbsp per slice).
- Arrange asparagus on a slice, trim any ends that extend beyond the bread, then top with the second slice, cream cheese side down.
- Cut away the crusts and slice each sandwich in half perpendicular to the asparagus. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 16 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 3 g • Fiber: 2 g