Both finger sandwiches and tea sandwiches are small, bite-sized sandwiches that are commonly served at parties and gatherings. However, there are some key differences between the two types of sandwiches in terms of ingredients, assembly, presentation and intended purpose.
What is a Finger Sandwich?
A finger sandwich is a small, bite-sized sandwich meant to be eaten in one or two bites. Finger sandwiches are cut into small shapes, usually 2-3 inches wide and 3-4 inches long. The bread used for finger sandwiches is very thinly sliced to keep the sandwiches petite and easy to eat by hand without a plate.
Typical bread choices for finger sandwiches include:
- White bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Rye bread
- Pumpernickel bread
- Sourdough bread
The fillings and toppings for finger sandwiches are often more robust and varied than tea sandwiches. Common fillings and ingredients include:
- Chicken salad
- Tuna salad
- Egg salad
- Turkey
- Ham
- Roast beef
- Cheese
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Pickles
- Spreads like mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish
Finger sandwiches are typically made ahead of time and arranged on a platter for guests to grab and eat with their hands. They are meant to be eaten while standing and mingling at events like cocktail parties, receptions, and casual gatherings.
What is a Tea Sandwich?
Tea sandwiches are dainty, bite-sized sandwiches originally meant to accompany afternoon tea service. The crustless sandwiches are cut into small, geometrically shaped pieces including triangles, fingers, and pinwheels.
Because tea sandwiches are served along with scones, pastries, cookies and other goodies, the sandwiches are made with light, delicate fillings and ingredients. Typical tea sandwich fillings include:
- Cucumber
- Cream cheese
- Whipped butter
- Smoked salmon
- Watercress
- Egg salad
- Chicken salad
- Tuna salad
- Ham
- Turkey
- Dill
- Chives
The bread for tea sandwiches is always very thinly sliced and delicately soft, often with the crusts cut off. Common bread choices include:
- White bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Pumpernickel bread
- Rye bread
- Sourdough bread
Tea sandwiches are usually assembled in advance and arranged neatly on a serving tier or platter. Unlike finger sandwiches, tea sandwiches are eaten while seated during afternoon tea service, usually with a tea cup and saucer.
Differences Between Finger and Tea Sandwiches
Here is a summary of the main differences between finger sandwiches and tea sandwiches:
| Characteristic | Finger Sandwiches | Tea Sandwiches |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Thinly sliced | Extremely thinly sliced and delicate, often crustless |
| Size | 2-3 inches wide x 3-4 inches long | Small, dainty, cut into 1-2 bite pieces |
| Shape | Small rectangles | Triangles, fingers, pinwheels |
| Fillings | Heartier fillings like chicken salad, roast beef | Delicate fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon |
| Service Style | Arranged on platters for grabbing by hand | Neatly arranged on tiered serving dishes |
| Eating Style | Eaten while standing at parties | Eaten while seated during afternoon tea |
Similarities Between Finger and Tea Sandwiches
While finger sandwiches and tea sandwiches differ in certain ways, they do share some common characteristics:
- Both are small, bite-sized sandwiches meant to be eaten in one or two bites
- Both use thinly sliced bread
- Both are commonly made ahead of time and arranged attractively on platters
- Both make use of fillings like chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber, and ham
- Neither requires a plate for eating
- Both are portable and easy to serve at gatherings and events
Choosing Between Finger and Tea Sandwiches
So when should you serve finger sandwiches vs tea sandwiches? Here are some tips:
- Serve finger sandwiches at casual, stand-up cocktail parties and receptions where heartier fillings are appropriate.
- Choose tea sandwiches for formal afternoon tea services or bridal and baby showers where dainty, delicate sandwiches are preferred.
- For events like birthdays, graduations, or indoor picnics, either type of sandwich may be suitable.
- Prepare an assortment of both varieties to please guests with different tastes at large celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for finger sandwiches and tea sandwiches:
Finger Sandwiches
- Arrange an assortment of finger sandwiches on a tiered serving platter at different heights for visual interest.
- Skewer finger sandwiches on frilly toothpicks so they are easy for guests to grab and eat.
- Make bite-sized open-faced finger sandwiches on baguette slices or crackers.
- Pair finger sandwiches with dipping sauces like mustard, chutney or homemade ranch dressing.
- Use bread slices with herbs, olives or roasted garlic baked in for extra flavor.
Tea Sandwiches
- Display tea sandwiches on a three-tier serving stand with different types on each layer.
- Cut tea sandwiches into interesting shapes like triangles, fingers, hearts or pinwheels.
- Garnish tea sandwiches with edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies.
- Serve tea sandwiches with lemon curd, jam, deviled eggs or scones for a full afternoon tea.
- Make a variety of both savory and sweet tea sandwiches to please all palates.
Sample Finger Sandwich Recipes
Here are a few tasty finger sandwich recipes to try:
Roast Beef and Horseradish Finger Sandwiches
- Deli-sliced roast beef
- Cream cheese spread
- Horseradish sauce
- Slices of sourdough or rye bread
Assemble sandwiches by spreading cream cheese on bread, topping with roast beef and horseradish sauce. Cut into rectangles.
Caprese Finger Sandwiches
- Fresh mozzarella cheese slices
- Sliced tomato
- Basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Baguette slices
Layer mozzarella, tomato, basil, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic between baguette slices. Cut into finger lengths.
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Finger Sandwiches
- Cream cheese
- Spicy pickle chips
- Deli ham
- Whole wheat bread
Assemble sandwiches by spreading cream cheese on bread, layering with pickle chips, ham and more cream cheese. Cut into fingers.
Sample Tea Sandwich Recipes
These elegant tea sandwich recipes would be perfect additions to an afternoon tea service:
Smoked Salmon and Dill Tea Sandwiches
- Smoked salmon slices
- Whipped cream cheese
- Dill sprigs
- White or wheat bread, crusts removed
Top bread slices with cream cheese, smoked salmon and fresh dill. Cut into triangles or fingers.
Cucumber and Mint Tea Sandwiches
- Sliced cucumbers
- Fresh mint
- Whipped butter
- White bread, crustless
Butter the bread, layer with cucumber slices and fresh mint. Cut into pinwheel shapes.
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
- Chicken salad
- Lettuce
- Toasted white bread, crusts removed
Top one slice of toasted bread with chicken salad, lettuce and another bread slice. Cut into triangles.
Conclusion
When it comes to petite party sandwiches, finger and tea sandwiches both have their place. Finger sandwiches are great for casual gatherings and hearty appetites, while delicate tea sandwiches suit formal occasions. With an array of breads, fillings and shapes, these tiny sandwiches make the perfect addition to any event.