Cheese Savoury Sandwich Filling

This cheese savoury sandwich filling elevates the humble cheese sandwich into something truly special for afternoon tea. The combination of two distinctive cheeses with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, lightly spiced mayonnaise creates a filling that's both satisfying and elegant when served in dainty finger sandwiches.

I first made these for my daughter's birthday tea party when I needed something simple yet special. The vibrant orange-red color from the Red Leicester cheese made them the star of the spread, and now they're requested at every gathering.

Ingredients

• Red Leicester cheese: Adds a gorgeous color and mild nuttiness. Choose one that's properly aged for the best flavor.
• Mature white cheddar: Provides sharpness and depth. Look for one aged at least 9 months for proper character.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy binding. Full-fat works best for richness.
• Sweet paprika: Brings subtle warmth without heat. Spanish varieties offer the most authentic flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that cuts through the richness. Authentic French Dijon gives the best result.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground provides the brightest flavor.
• Red pepper: Adds color, crunch and sweetness. Choose a firm, ripe one with good color.
• Salad onions: Introduce a gentle onion flavor without overwhelming. Look for fresh ones with crisp green tops.
• Bread: The canvas for your filling. Quality sandwich bread with a soft but sturdy texture works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:

Finely chop the red pepper into tiny uniform pieces about 2-3mm square. This ensures the filling remains smooth while still providing texture. Place on kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture which would otherwise make your sandwiches soggy.

Prepare the onions:

Dice the salad onions very finely including some of the green parts for color contrast. The pieces should be similar in size to the red pepper for consistency throughout the filling.

Create the flavored mayonnaise:

Mix the mayonnaise with paprika, Dijon mustard and black pepper in a small bowl until completely combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed through the finished filling.

Prepare the cheeses:

Grate both cheeses using the fine side of your grater to ensure the filling has a smooth, creamy texture. Using two different cheeses creates a more complex flavor profile than using just one.

Combine dry ingredients:

Toss the grated cheeses together in a bowl using your hands to ensure they're thoroughly mixed. Add the drained red pepper and diced onion, distributing them evenly throughout the cheese.

Incorporate the mayonnaise mixture:

Gently fold the flavored mayonnaise into the cheese and vegetable mixture using a metal spoon. This creates a cohesive filling without compressing the ingredients too much.

Chill the filling:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also firms up the filling making it easier to spread on the bread.

Prepare the bread:

Remove crusts from all 11 slices of bread using a sharp knife. Cut one slice in half to ensure you have the correct number of pieces for the top and bottom of each sandwich.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Spread a generous layer of filling approximately 5mm thick onto each base slice of bread, making sure to reach the edges. Top with matching bread slices and press gently to secure.

Cut into finger sandwiches:

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich into three equal fingers approximately 3cm wide by 8cm long. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation.

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My grandmother always insisted on using Red Leicester alongside cheddar in her cheese savoury. She claimed the color brightened up even the dreariest afternoon tea, and I find myself smiling at this memory every time I grate that beautiful orange cheese.

Make Ahead Options

The cheese savoury filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor as it allows time for the ingredients to meld together. Just remember to give it a quick stir before spreading as some liquid may separate out from the vegetables. For best results, assemble the sandwiches no more than two hours before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

While traditional cheese savoury uses Red Leicester and cheddar, the recipe can be adapted based on what you have available. Double Gloucester makes an excellent substitute for Red Leicester, providing similar color and a complementary flavor. If you prefer a stronger filling, consider using extra mature cheddar or adding a little crumbled Stilton for a luxurious twist. Vegetarians should check that their cheese uses vegetarian rennet. For a lighter version, reduced-fat mayonnaise works well, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

These cheese savoury sandwiches pair beautifully with other afternoon tea classics. I recommend serving them alongside cucumber sandwiches and smoked salmon pinwheels for a varied selection. A pot of Earl Grey tea makes the traditional accompaniment, but a light sparkling wine turns this into an elegant champagne reception offering. For a complete afternoon tea, follow the sandwiches with fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and finish with dainty cakes like Victoria sponge fingers or miniature lemon drizzle loaves.

Storage Tips

Once assembled, cheese savoury sandwiches are best eaten within a few hours. If you need to prepare them in advance, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor. The filling itself will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it possible to prepare just a few sandwiches at a time from a single batch of filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese is best for this filling?

Red Leicester and mature white cheddar are recommended for their strong flavors, but any similar cheeses can work.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and stir before using.

→ How many sandwiches does this filling make?

This filling makes 16 small tea sandwiches or 4 regular sandwiches.

→ Can I add butter to the bread?

It's optional. The creamy filling is flavorful enough, but you can butter the bread if you prefer.

→ How should I store the sandwiches after making them?

Wrap the sandwiches in cling film and refrigerate for several hours. Serve as soon as possible to prevent the bread from drying out.