Afternoon Tea pairs well with Sandwich Cake, Orange Scones, Roasted Salmon Sandwiches, Banana Bread, and Scotch Eggs.
Sandwich Cake
The exciting thing about a sandwich cake is that you can make it taste however you want it to.
For a lighter option, try Scotch Eggs. Scotch eggs are suitable for a light snack time like afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea isn't just a meal; it's an event. It's the Oscars of snack time, minus the long speeches.
Now, we all know the stars of the show: the tea itself and those cute little sandwiches. What really takes your tea time from "just okay" to "oh, wow" are the side dishes.
Savory Snacks for Afternoon Tea
Whether you are giving yourself a little afternoon tea party or serving guests, these savory scone side ideas for tea will surely come in handy.
1. Sandwich Cake
The exciting thing about a sandwich cake is that you can make it taste however you want it to - including pairing it with Cuban sandwich side suggestions for bold flavors.
The icing for sandwich cake has numerous possibilities, so it is one of the most versatile cakes.
Using just two or more layers of sandwich bread, customize the taste of your cake by using whatever ingredients you have and incorporating them into the icing.
The simplicity of preparation does not define its taste.
Sandwich cakes are so delicious that anyone can enjoy them.
2. Orange Scones
What's better to wash away that afternoon slump than a citrus freshness - or try orange roughy side ideas for citrus pairings for a seafood-forward tea menu?
A valuable and classic tip would be to use the fresh citrus zest.
It gives a better fragrance and proves to be much more effective than preserved ones.
The process is really simple.
You only need to add the orange zest together with the flour, and the remaining process is the same as baking a regular scone.
If you want a flaky layer to your scones, use cold unsalted butter so that when the butter melts in the oven, it pushes up the dough and creates beautiful layers.
3. Roasted Salmon Sandwiches
Have you ever heard of a salmon between bread? Yes, this recipe does exist, and it is fantastic.
Use roasted salmon in olive oil to get the best flavor for this recipe.
If available, use a thicker sandwich bread to give a more sophisticated look to your tea time.
Roasted salmon sandwiches come in handy when you have run out of ideas to prepare the fatty fish.
This recipe tastes even better with a dill sauce, so it is recommended that you try it.
The tangy dill sauce can be made in under 5 minutes. It goes well with any grilled fish.
Make this once, and you'll want to make them forever.
Roasted salmon sandwiches also pair nicely with sweet, caramelized vegetables - roasted carrot side pairings for fish are a natural fit.
4. Banana Bread
Do you have some overripe bananas at home that isn't good-looking enough to serve but still taste good inside? Why not make some banana bread serving ideas and sides?
It is a unique type of bread that is rich in banana flavor.
Non-bread lovers also fall in love with this recipe because the final product is not at all similar to regular bread.
Nobody can say no to this moist and sweet bread.
Melted butter is the hero of this recipe, and it gives a unique flavor that makes you distinguish the bread from any other banana recipe.
The only downside is that this recipe takes a while to bake.
So, be conscious of your schedule if you decide to bake banana bread at home.
5. Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in a mixture of sausage meat and deep-fried in vegetable oil after breading.
Scotch eggs are suitable for a light snack time like afternoon tea - consider scotch egg side pairings for tea to complete the plate.
The scotch eggs are the complete opposite of the regular sandwiches and cookies generally served with tea.
These eggs are also tasty when paired with a spicy sauce. The only problem with this dish is the time.
It takes about 40 minutes to make, but the result is so satisfying you wouldn't complain.
6. Classic Cucumber Sandwich
No afternoon tea is complete without these classic cucumber sandwiches.
Cucumbers make it possible for you to eat multiple side dishes because of their lightness.
Thinly sliced cucumbers in a buttered sandwich bread will give your afternoons a hydrating, fresh feeling - pair with cucumber soup side ideas for light menus for extra refreshment.
It is one of the easiest and healthiest sandwiches.
You can even add an herb of your choice for a taste of freshness.
Pair this sandwich with your favorite cup of tea, and you have the best hot and cold combo.
7. Egg and Cress Sandwich
The egg and cress sandwich is a delicious go-to sandwich that many tea drinkers love.
It is quick to whip up and filled with protein to keep you full and energized until your next meal.
The recipe includes a rich, creamy egg salad made of crushed boiled eggs and mayonnaise.
Add chopped watercress to the mixture, and you're done.
You can enjoy your egg and cress sandwich with any tea.
Tip: While breaking the boiled eggs, do not run them super smooth.
Leave some large chunks of the whites so that your sandwich has an interesting texture.
For a coffee-adjacent spread, see afternoon coffee party side pairings. For mixed beverage menus, coffee and tea side dish ideas cover versatile options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sandwich Cake The exciting thing about a sandwich cake is that you can make it taste however you want it to. Orange Scones What's better to wash away that afternoon slump than a citrus freshness?
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. This side dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.