I don’t know about you guys, but just reading the words ‘savory puff pastry recipes’ makes my mouth water.
Puff pastry dough is one of my favorite ingredients. I love cooking with it.
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It doesn’t matter if I’m making something sweet or savory, puff pastry dough is a go-to for me.
It just adds such a flaky, buttery wonderfulness that’s hard to beat, no matter what you’re making. For this list, I’ve stuck to 25 of my favorite savory recipes.
But don’t worry, if you’re looking for puff pastry desserts, I have you covered on those, as well.
Now, without further ado, let’s get into some of my favorite savory treats.
Gruyere, Mushroom, & Caramelized Onion Bites
Even though these take less than an hour to make, they look amazing and taste even better.
They look like super high-class appetizers, making them perfect for any occasion.
And they taste like Krystal hamburgers, only so much better. (That mostly comes from the caramelized onions and gruyere.)
Asparagus Tart
I’m not sure what part of this tasty tart is the best – the warm, flaky crust or the tender, perfectly seasoned asparagus.
Oh! And let’s not forget the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses!
Basically, this tart packs a ton of deliciousness into every single bite, and you won’t even have to be an asparagus fan to appreciate how good it is.
Leek and Onion Puff Pastry Tart
Seriously, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers
Spinach and feta are two of those foods that just fit together.
Whether you put them in a stuffed pretzel, a tart, or a quiche, they’ll taste fantastic.
Now imagine that unique feta and spinach taste inside a warm, buttery puff pastry shell.
Mini-Spinach and Feta Pies
More spinach and feta! More puffed pastry crust! What more do you need to know?
I’m telling you, there’s nothing quite like the combination of those three ingredients. Together, they’re the perfect food.
Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Parcels
Spinach and artichoke may be one of the few combinations as epic as spinach and feta, so I decided to throw this recipe in after the feta ones for that reason.
These are like the best spinach artichoke dip you’ve ever tasted, only they also contain tender, juicy chicken breasts and are wrapped in perfect puff pastry dough.
What’s not to love?
Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
If you’re looking for something new to do with all your fresh garden tomatoes, you’ll have to try these tomato tarts.
You’ll season each one with pepper, basil, and rosemary and cover them in shredded mozzarella cheese before baking them.
They’re buttery, cheesy, and garden-fresh and take only 30 minutes to make. Perfection!
Goat Cheese Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites
These bite-size morsels are some of the most interesting, unexplainable things I’ve ever tasted.
Neither salmon nor goat cheese is my favorite ingredient.
However, somehow, when you put them together, their brash, bold tastes complement each other perfectly for a cohesive flavor that I absolutely adore.
I know that makes no sense whatsoever, but they’re pretty, they taste great, and they’re surprisingly filling. Give them a try. You won’t regret it.
Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Puff Pastry
The cheesy mushroom spinach puff pastry is like nothing so much as an upscale, homemade Hot Pocket, and I mean that in the very best possible way.
It has a gorgeous brown crust that’s delightfully crunchy and a filling of spinach, cheese, mushrooms, and garlic that no one could refuse.
Puff Pastry Squares with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
All you’ll need to make these simple squares is goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and puff pastry.
They’re the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make, but they sacrifice nothing in taste and texture.
Baked Brie en Croûte with Honey, Dried Cherries, Rosemary & Pecans
But if you need more, imagine baked brie with a buttery puff pastry crust, honey, dried cherries, chopped pecans, and rosemary.
This lovely dish smells as good as it tastes, and it tastes as good as it looks.
If you’re looking for something to wow the crowd at your next gathering, this is it.
Beet Wellington
You’re probably acquainted with the famous beef wellington, but you may be less familiar with its vegan cousin, the beet wellington.
It’s gorgeous, and the balsamic vinegar sauce is so good, it’ll make your eyes roll back in your head.
If you aren’t a huge fan of beets, you may still enjoy this dish.
It has so many other flavorful ingredients – walnuts, spinach, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, etc. – that the beets aren’t overpowering.
Plus, its thin, flaky crust is amazingly crispy. I’d almost go so far as to say it’s perfectly crispy.
Salami and Cheese Pinwheels
Pinwheels always make a fun and easy snack, and by using puff pastry dough, they’ll be fun, easy, and exceptionally yummy.
You’ll only need five ingredients to make four dozen of these adorable appetizers, and they take less than an hour (excluding chill time).
Asparagus Prosciutto Puff Pastry Bundles Appetizer
If you were to ask my brother, he’d tell you that these are the perfect appetizers because they have the only three food groups that matter – meat, cheese, and a vegetable.
(Yes, he thinks cheese is a food group.)
Truthfully, though, these little bundles of joy are pretty incredible.
The cheese is gooey and delicious; the asparagus is tender (and better with a bit of garlic salt), and the prosciutto is on point.
It’s hard not to eat way too many of these whenever they’re available.
Pigs in a Puff Pastry Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are always a hit, no matter the occasion. However, making them with puff pastry dough instead of crescent rolls is a top-class chef move.
Once you add the egg wash and throw on the poppy and sesame seeds, it’s pretty much game over. These will be the talk of the table.
Savory Vegetable Galette
I’m not sure there’s a better dish on the planet for vegetable lovers than the savory vegetable galette. It has everything a veggie-lover could want.
As much as I love puff pastry, it’s not even the star of the show with this dish.
That honor is reserved for the incredibly diverse vegetable filling.
You can play with the recipe if you like, but as-is, it calls for onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, and more!
You can’t tell me that isn’t going to blow the mind of all your vegetarian friends.
Puff Pastry Vegetable Strudel
I put this one right after the galette because, in terms of savory vegetable recipes, this one might be the only one that has a chance of coming close to it.
It features many of the same delicious vegetables, along with gooey mozzarella cheese and plenty of herbs. In short, it’s equally mouth-wateringly good.
Puff Pastry Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
Requiring only six ingredients and 30 minutes to make, they’re bound to be your new favorite snack.
Cheese and Fig Savory Palmiers
These walk the border between sweet and savory.
But since figs aren’t super sweet and there is plenty of cheddar in each one, I thought I could get away with adding them to the savory list.
The texture is the same one you know and love from palmiers cookies, but these are less sweet and more filling.
Plus, you can make them with only three ingredients, and that’s a WIN!
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Why waste your money on store-bought cheese straws that are full of additives and other weird ingredients when you can make your own at home?
All you’ll need is puff pastry, water, an egg, Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
You can whip up half a dozen in 30 minutes or less, and they are the bomb!
Puff Pastry Pepperoni Pizza
Yep! Even pizza tastes better on puff pastry dough!
This recipe is for pepperoni, but you can easily adjust it to include your favorite pizza toppings on this crispy, flaky crust.
Chicken Pot Pie
There are few things in this world as wonderful, comforting, and as “feels like home” like a chicken pot pie, but they can be a lot of work.
By using puff pastry dough and store-bought rotisserie chicken, though, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and make four of them in just a bit over an hour.
The crust is perfect, the filling is rich and creamy, and all the veggies are tender and tasty. There’s literally no bad here.
Ham and Cheese Puffs
I have nothing against a tasty hot ham and cheese sandwich, but honestly, why stop there and deprive yourself of the even more yummy treat you could have with these ham and cheese puffs?
They have the same great ham and cheese taste you love, but there’s also the buttery, flaky puff pastry crust, spinach, salt, pepper, and Swiss cheese.
And let’s be honest; ham and cheese sandwiches just taste better with Swiss cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels
If you have any lingering doubts that you can add buffalo chicken to anything, these puff pastry pinwheels should help you overcome that.
Honestly, though, the zesty flavor of the buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness of the puff pastry.
The chicken is juicy and succulent, and the hot sauce adds just the right amount of kick. If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, you’ll love these.
Mini-Apple Cheddar Pies
I may be breaking the rules a little with these pies because they, too, walk that fine line between savory and sweet.
Thanks to the apples, brown sugar, and apple pie spice, they have the same wonderful, sugary apple pie taste you know and love.
However, the sharp cheddar gives them an unbeatable richness that’s not at all sweet but just as delectable in a different way.
Best of all, they’re effortless to make, so if you’re looking for the ideal fall treat, give this recipe a try.
Tea party recipes are usually smaller, more dainty-looking portions of delicious sweet and savory treats.
From classic cucumber sandwiches and elegant petit fours to buttery English shortbread and a variety of finger sandwiches, the key is to keep things neat and bite-sized.
In truth, you could serve almost anything you want at a tea party, though I think tea is mandatory!
But if you want it to be authentic, it’s best to stick with some tried-and-true English recipes that are sure to wow your guests.
I’ve gathered 30 terrific tea party recipes, so put the kettle on, and let’s get cooking!
Cucumber Sandwiches
This is probably one of the first things to come to mind when you think of a tea party, right?
Those cute little sandwiches with the crusts cut off are in almost every picture when you look online.
They’re a favorite for a reason! Not only do they look great, but they’re also pretty light and easy to make.
This recipe is extra special because it includes some dill and chives in the cream cheese.
Basic Scone Recipe (+ 7 Flavors!)
You can’t have a tea party without scones, and if you’re making scones, they really should be the best they can be!
This recipe is perfect for a party because it’s so easy to modify.
Make one big batch, break it up into smaller bowls, and flavor them however you want.
I think raisins are a must, but so are blueberry and chocolate chips!
Or, if you want something different, try cutting back on the sugar and adding shredded cheese, bacon bits, garlic, rosemary, or jalapeños.
Petit Fours
Petit fours are bite-sized cakes that look stunning on a fancy cake stand.
They can be any flavor you like, but I think a vanilla or almond sponge is best as it allows for better coverage with a light glaze.
An effortless way to make these is to make and freeze one large sheet cake.
Once it’s solid, cut your squares and allow them to thaw slightly before glazing.
Mini-Quiche (Any Flavor!)
Just like the bite-sized cakes above, these mini-quiches will look adorable on a tea party cake stand.
I know how finicky pastry can be, especially when working in smaller portions.
I almost always use frozen mini-pie crusts for recipes like this. They look perfect and will cut your prep time in half!
Easy Ham & Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Don’t these just look fantastic? It’s incredible how a simple cookie cutter can elevate your sandwich game!
A great way to cut down on waste is to buy an uncut, white loaf of bread.
Then, instead of cutting slices across the width, try cutting lengthways. It will give you a lot more area to work with.
Blackberry Jam Recipe
No tea party table is complete without a selection of butter, jams, and tasty spreads.
Whether you’re adding them to your scones (with clotted cream, please!), or serving up some fairy cakes, a nice pot of homemade jam will go a long way.
Blackberries make a beautiful jam and give such a unique flavor. Anyone can make strawberry jam, after all!
Crinkle Top Brownie Bites
This might not be the most traditional, but I guarantee it will be the most popular! Who doesn’t love brownies?!
Since these are made to be bite-sized, they’ll only need around 12-15 minutes in the oven. Any longer, and they won’t be fudgy.
The Perfect Cup of Tea-British Style
The Brits love their tea strong and milky. No, not like a latte (that’s sacrilege!), but with enough milk so you can taste it and no lemon in sight.
The trick is to boil the water and pour it over the tea bag. This stimulates the tea leaves and helps the flavor to steep into the cup.
The longer you leave it, the stronger it will be.
My brother likes what’s known as “builder’s tea,” which means he lets it steep for a solid 3-5 minutes before adding a dash of milk and way too much sugar.
I like to leave the tea for a couple of minutes before gently squeezing the bag against the side of the cup. Either way, milk is a must.
Mini-Lemon Meringue Pies
I can’t overstate this: this recipe is genius! It’s such a clever little hack for making what can be quite a complicated recipe.
Instead of making lemon curd and a pie crust and then agonizing over the meringue (which can go weepy in the blink of an eye), you’ll use store-bought meringue nests and a quick lemon cheesecake filling.
Top the whole thing with some crumbled ginger biscuits, and these will be ready in a matter of minutes!
Fruit Tarts
Just like you can buy mini-pastry shells for quiche, you can also buy sweetened crusts that work so well for these little fruit tarts.
Although, sugar cookie shells are extra tasty, and if you use ready-made cookie dough, they’re a cinch to whip up.
If you want the filling a touch more indulgent, try using mascarpone instead of cream cheese.
It’s not as tangy but will give you an ultra-silky finish.
English Shortbread
Shortbread is akin to sugar cookies; only the good stuff keeps it much simpler.
The key to the perfect shortbread is to keep it short.
That means you’ll need a high fat to flour ratio, and you need to handle it as little as possible to ensure you get that amazingly rich and crumbly texture.
The best recipes will have just three ingredients – butter, sugar, and flour (though some include cornstarch) – and don’t need long in the oven.
It should be super pale when you pull it out.
Mini-Chocolate Cakes
These might not be as bite-sized as the petit fours, but they’re single-serve and super cute!
I’m sure you have some ceramic ramekins at home, and they’re just the right size for these babies.
One ramekin is equal to one cake. Just let them cool, cut them in half, and fill them with frosting.
Mini-Cheesecake Bites {+5 Flavors}
Much like the scone recipe from above, you’ll make one big batch for this that you can then go on to flavor however you choose.
Mini-chocolate chips would work a treat, and so would a scoop of pie filling on the top.
Of course, a dollop of whipped cream would be more than enough, or you could always take it up a notch by adding some peanut butter to the mix.
You’ll need a mini-muffin pan for these, and I highly recommend going for silicone if you don’t already own one.
That’s because you can get the cheesecakes out so easily by gently pushing from the bottom.
Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches (Canapés)
Smoked salmon is one of those ingredients that people just love. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also vibrant and super easy to work with.
Since it’s not the cheapest ingredient, I like to keep things simple. You won’t want to overpower it with too many extras.
That’s why these little crostini are the perfect option.
In fact, the dill cream cheese for this recipe is almost exactly the same as the one used in the cucumber sandwiches, so you can use it in both recipes.
Mini-Cupcakes
If you don’t have a mini-cupcake pan, these mini-cupcake liners are a must-buy.
They’re so pretty with the pink and gold lining; plus, they don’t need a special pan and can be lined up on a regular baking sheet.
This recipe says to bake these for 18 minutes, but I think that’s a typo. They will only need about 8-10 minutes since they’re so small.
Mini-Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cakes
I was given a mini-bundt pan as a gift, and I can honestly say I’m surprised at how often I use it.
Instead of cupcakes, I find myself reaching for the bundts.
They’re so precious, and they don’t need a huge batch of sickly sweet frosting.
Instead, you can whip up a quick ganache or glaze and just pour it right over.
These look extra special when they’re finished with some fancy sprinkles or edible glitter.
Cheesy Shrimp Tea Sandwiches
This definitely isn’t a traditional British tea party recipe, but we’ll let that slide.
One bite of these, and you won’t give those cucumber sandwiches a second look!
If you have the time and energy, feel free to cook your own shrimp. That will give you the chance to add some spices if you want to.
Otherwise, pre-cooked, frozen shrimp will work just as well.
Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge and drain off any excess liquid before adding to the mix.
Tuna Tea Sandwiches
If you’ve never tried lemon-pepper seasoning before, now’s the time! It has such a zesty and unique flavor, and it pairs so well with tuna.
I’ve actually made this recipe with salmon before, and it came out so great, and the pink color added to the tea party theme.
If you’re not a goat cheese lover, simple cream cheese (or maybe even Brie) would be a great substitute.
Downton Abbey Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
I know that most egg salad recipes have a pretty smooth consistency. Yes, they have lumps, but not usually too much crunch.
That’s probably why I avoid it. Texture is a big deal in my house.
But this egg salad takes crunch to a whole new level!
It’s still super creamy, but there are also crisp bites throughout from chopped celery and red onion.
Not to mention, there’s a kick in the mayo with a spoonful of dijon mustard and a dash of lime juice.
Tea Cake Cookies
Do all Brits drink tea? Pretty much. Do they all dunk biscuits in said tea? Absolutely!
The traditional biscuit (cookie) is a Rich Tea, though plenty of people will dip a Chocolate Digestive or a Hobnob!
In lieu of these classics – which you can’t always find over here, across the pond – why not try a batch of tea cake biscuits?
They’re buttery, sweet, and just the right size to dunk in a cuppa.
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
As pretty as lavender shortbread can be, I find it too overwhelming to eat. The smell gets in the way, and I just can’t enjoy the cookie.
But these early grey bites are exactly what your next tea party needs.
The flavor is wonderfully subtle but strong enough you can smell it on the cookies.
I tried adding the tea to the butter, and also with the sugar, and found the latter much quicker, and the results were more or less the same.
So, if you’re in a rush, don’t worry about working the tea leaves with the butter.
Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars
In need of something vegan and gluten-free? Then this recipe is for you!
Not only is the filling crazy-creamy thanks to the cashews and coconut cream, but the crust is deliciously nutty and crumbly to boot.
I love that this recipe suggests the shortcut of using boiling water to soak the cashews.
I almost always forget to put them in a bowl to soak overnight, so this is a time-saver, for sure!
Butterfly Raspberry Fluff and Nutella Tea Sandwiches
I know what you’re thinking, but these are for the grown-ups, too!
Admittedly the butterfly shape is very much for the kids, but you can forgo that if you prefer. Either way, the taste stays the same.
I’d never thought of mixing raspberry jam into marshmallow Fluff before, but now that I’ve tasted it, I don’t think I’ll eat it any other way.
And with Nutella, it’s dangerously addictive.
Battenberg Cake
Mr. Kipling’s Battenberg is famous for its color and incredible flavor.
It’s not the easiest cake to make, but it’s so worth it when you make that first slice.
This cake isn’t tricky in terms of technique, but rather the number of steps it takes to perfect.
You’ll make one cake batter that gets split, with half colored in pink, before being baked.
Then, you’ll trim the excess cake and make a long, even rectangle.
These need to be “glued” together with jam to create the checkerboard look, and the whole thing gets covered in marzipan.
Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe
Deviled eggs are a straightforward and relatively cheap little recipe.
Plus, if you’re making egg salad, you’ll already be boiling eggs, so why not make a few extra?
Once they’re boiled and cooled, gently cut them in half and scoop out that yolk.
I like to mash this up pretty smooth before adding in the mayo to prevent any little lumps.
This is best served right away, so keep the filling in the fridge until just before you need it.
Pipe it, or scoop it into the cavities, and dust with a bit of paprika.
Mini-Chicken Pot Pies
Here’s another recipe you probably won’t find at a traditional tea party, but I think it’s a nice idea to include something warm to the table.
Everything on this list is served cold, which means you can make it all ahead and keep it in the fridge until tea time!
But if you’re hosting your party in the winter, I’m sure plenty of people will thank you for these warm and filling chicken pot pie bites.
And since you’ll use crescent rolls, frozen veggies, canned soup, and leftover chicken, they don’t take long to make.
Crab Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Here’s another recipe that uses a round cookie cutter to make the sandwiches look extra cute.
Although, I like the look of long rectangles or small triangles, too, and with those shapes, you have so much less waste.
Whatever shape you go for, your guests will love these crab sandwiches.
Made with canned wild-caught crab meat, red onion, peppers, and a tangy yet creamy dressing, they will be gone before you know it.
Mini-Lemon Cakes
The issue with making mini-cupcakes or brownies is that they’re so easy to overbake.
Being so small, just a minute too long can leave them dry and sad.
This recipe has a little trick to help ensure your crumb stays perfectly moist – pudding!
Adding instant pudding to your cake batter (straight out of the packet, not made up with milk) will not only infuse flavor but will help to keep your cakes tender and soft.
Mashed Avocado Finger Sandwiches
These avocado, cucumber, and sprout sandwiches will be a welcome sight to your vegetarian and vegan guests.
Just don’t forget they need to be made right before serving, or the avos will go brown!
Sprouts, microgreens, or garden cress are a lovely addition here, giving you some nice crunch and fresh green flavors.
If you’re interested, microgreens are super easy to grow at home, and you can get started with a simple kit in no time.
Lemon Drop Cookies
These lemon drop cookies are equal parts buttery and zesty.
They have lemon zest right in the cookie dough, which adds a very subtle flavor to the cookie.
They also have a wonderful lemon glaze over the top to help boost the flavor.
Tea parties are great ways to socialize with friends and family while enjoying a good cuppa (British slang for cup of tea) and some tasty nibbles (snacks).
Take a Look ↓↓↓
It’s so much fun to have a tea party. While some people associate tea parties with spring, a fall tea party when the weather is turning cool can also be super special. If you don’t have cute little tea cups and teapots, you can rent them if you live near a larger city.
These parties are usually small, lively affairs with only a small group of people, and while they are called “tea parties,” the tea party snacks are the real stars of the show!
If you’re looking for some great tea party food ideas, you’re in luck.
There are countless tea party recipes to choose from, and nearly all of them have variations to make them unique.
For example, scones are a famous British pastry served at many tea gatherings, but they come in lots of different flavors.
And let’s not forget about the sweets!
Almost any reputable tea party will have several delicious sweet treats to choose from. These can range from tea cake cookies to tarts, cakes, and pies.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a tea party is the place to be!
Plus, these social gatherings really bring folks closer together and are filled with wonderful conversation and laughter.
Also, these parties aren’t just for ladies, guys can also enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Of course, you might have to lure them in with some pretty amazing food. Fortunately, we have that part covered.
Below we’ve curated 31 sensational high tea menu items sure to make your next event a blinding (great) success!
Cucumber Avocado Tea Sandwiches With Dill & Mint
One staple on any tea party menu is tea or finger sandwiches. This delicious recipe for Cucumber Avocado Tea Sandwiches With Dill and Mint is absolutely brilliant!
These little finger sandwiches have tasty ingredients such as avocados, cucumber, and dill. But, it’s the freshly chopped mint that really brings it all together.
It’s really amazing how delicious avocado tastes with cucumber, dill, and mint, flavors you would never expect to taste good together.
This light and flavorful dish is an excellent and refreshing complement to a hot spot of herbal tea.
Mini Fruit Tarts
Tea party food offerings without the presence of sweets are unthinkable.
And when it comes to sweets, these plucky little mini fruit tarts are a fabulous offering for your guests to munch on.
These tarts consist of a sweet (but not too sweet) buttery shortbread crust filled with tart vanilla custard and top with fresh sweet berries and fresh fruits.
Best of all, just about any fresh fruit tastes amazing on tarts, so you can really get into experimenting with different flavors, colors, and intricate designs.
One fun party game is having a tart decorating contest.
Try them with whipped cream topping.
Roses Are Red Violets Are Blue Mini-Cupcakes
While we’re talking about sweet tea party ideas, let’s talk cupcakes.
This recipe for Roses Are Red Violets Are Blue Mini-Cupcakes taste and look amazing!
The delicious buttercream frosting is homemade and takes no time to whip up.
And for this recipe, you’ll need a piping bag with a star nozzle.
It may take a few practice tries, but soon you’ll be able to pull off amazing and consistent frosting art for every cupcake!
You can also pick up some great frosting techniques on YouTube.
This recipe makes 32 delicious mini-cupcakes.
Downton Abbey, the British period drama that became an international phenomenon, has inspired a renewed interest in British traditions such as tea parties.
It’s also incredible when you hear about how many husbands and single guys watched the show. And, of course, the food the Crawley’s served was exquisite.
This is why programs as good as Downton Abbey require tea party sandwiches befitting the show’s classy atmosphere.
Now you can enjoy your favorite episode with a few close friends while snacking on these delicious Downton Abbey Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches.
These crustless delights use only a few ingredients but pack incredible flavor.
This is one seriously delicious finger sandwich, folks.
Try some at your next tea party, and you won’t regret it.
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze
For the perfect complement to Earl Grey tea, try adding these Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze to your afternoon tea menu.
The contrast of the subtle tea-flavored shortbread mixed with the tangy sweetness of the lemon glaze puts these cookies in a league of their own.
Tea-flavored cookies are fairly common in Britain and they really add a unique depth to the flavor profile of certain sweets.
Best of all, you can make everything from scratch in almost no time!
This recipe makes about 36 cookies, more than enough to keep your guests happy.
This classic British cake recipe is sure to make your tea parties the talk of the town.
Battenberg cakes are double marble cakes that use precise food coloring to produce beautiful colors and patterns within the cake.
However, this cake’s more than another pretty face. The delicious frosting and apricot jam holding the squares together give this pastry a unique taste.
This cake’s origins date back to 1884 when the first Battenberg Cake was baked in England to celebrate the marriage of Prince Louis of Battenberg to Princess Victoria, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and future Grandmother to Prince Phillip.
Now, while reproducing these amazing patterned results might seem a bit daunting, it’s really a “piece of cake.”
Saw that one coming from a mile away, didn’t you?
Crab Salad Tea Sandwiches
It’s no secret that the British love their seafood, and these delicious Crab Salad Tea Sandwiches are the perfect way to introduce a seafood favorite into your tea parties.
Now, for crabmeat recipes, we always recommend using real crab meat, not the fake stuff. It can be a bit more pricey, but well worth it.
Good quality crab meat can make or break your crab salad, so don’t settle for less.
Also, with your biscuit or cookie cutter, you want to press down firmly on two slices of bread, but don’t twist – this creates ragged edges. Instead, just press down firmly, and you’ll make perfect circles every time.
According to Brits, Americans have no clue when it comes to making the perfect cuppa.
But not to worry, we’ve found some helpful advice on making the perfect cup of British-style tea sure to impress even the Queen of England!
Keep in mind that every blend of hot tea has to be brewed a little differently to bring out maximum flavor.
That’s where temperature plays an important role. Believe us, the Brits have tea brewing down to almost an exact science!
There’s also a debate on whether or not sugar ruins tea, with some claiming that tea is meant to be bitter.
However, we’re sure that we’re ready to jump on board that train.
Basil-Shrimp Tea Sandwiches
Continuing our seafood theme is this recipe for Basil-Shrimp Tea Sandwiches.
In this recipe, you’ll make a shrimp spread to go between your bread. The mix has an unbelievable flavor with basil, green onion, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
Now, the recipe calls for using pre-cooked shrimp. But, you can always steam, bake, stir-fry, or grill your own to add even more flavor.
You can also use this spread on buttery crackers or as a dip or filling.
Traditional Lemon Drop Cookies
These traditional British delicacies are soft but not too sweet. Lemon Drop Cookies have a subtle flavor, with the lemon glaze adding most of the sweetness.
In Britain, cookies are called “biscuits,” which is pretty accurate when comparing the amount of sugar in their cookies to American versions.
But, worry not, these cookies will most certainly not disappoint, as your guests will be pleasantly delighted by their soft texture and sweet (but not overpowering) lemon flavor.
These pair very well with black tea.
Two Bite Fudgy Crinkle Top Brownie Bites
Brits are gaga for chocolate, and these sinfully decadent Two Bite Fudgy Crinkle Top Brownie Bites are sure to send your guests over the moon!
Mini, moist brownies with chocolate chips, creamy fudge frosting, and sugar crystal flakes create an experience like nothing else.
A few tips for creating those distinctive crinkle tops is to use both melted chocolate and cocoa powder.
Also, beat your eggs and sugar together for a solid minute before mixing in your other ingredients – this forces the air into your batter, producing a meringue-like top that crinkles during the baking process.
And you’ll want to use your electric mixer for this recipe as a whisk simply won’t do the job.
While this may not be a “traditional” British-style tea party recipe, Mini-Chicken Pot Pies are nonetheless adorable savory dishes.
When finger sandwiches are not enough to satisfy your guest’s appetites, these mini chicken meat pies hit the spot.
Plus, they are super easy to make since most of your ingredients are already cooked, such as a rotisserie chicken (you can buy at the store), frozen vegetables, and thin-cut mushrooms.
Once you’ve garnished the tops with nigella seeds, you can either bake them right away or freeze them for a future event.
Toast and jam are staples in British tea party culture and make for delightful and straightforward desserts.
Instead of going out to the store and buying a jar of processed jam with very little fruit in it, you can make homemade Blackberry Jam that’s far more delicious.
Full sugar jams tend to taste more like candy, but with this recipe, you’re bringing the flavor of blackberries to the forefront without sacrificing sweetness.
But feel free to adjust your sugar ration to your own tastes.
Mini-Lemon Rasberry Cakes
Raspberries are terrific for adding a unique flavor to your lemon cakes, and this recipe also adds crunchy toasted almonds to the mix for an amazing combination of flavors.
And let’s not forget the sweet, creamy, and tangy homemade lemon icing!
These cakes also look as good as they taste, making them a proud centerpiece for any respectable tea party.
We loved these with our green tea, but they also taste amazing with peach iced tea.
Mini-Double Chocolate Cakes
If you really love chocolate the way we do, why not double down?
These Mini-Double Chocolate Cakes are for serious chocolate lovers and are guaranteed to be a smash hit at your next tea party.
Each cake has a total of three layers featuring buttercream milk chocolate and white chocolate frosting.
Decorate the top with sprinkles and chocolate stars for an incredible effect.
Your guests won’t stop raving about how cute these little cakes are – unless they’re too busy eating them!
These also make wonderful cakes for mom on Mother’s Day.
Mini-Chocolate Bundt Cakes with Caramel Frosting
Continuing our chocolate tea party desserts tour, we have this recipe for Mini-Chocolate Bundt Cakes with Caramel Frosting.
The creamy homemade caramel frosting in this recipe adds dynamite flavor to the moist, rich chocolate cake.
Everything about these dangerous little cakes screams pleasure.
These also pair very well with ice cream. Our personal favorite is Vanilla Bean.
Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are fairly common at most tea parties, but that doesn’t mean they have to be “common.”
For deliciously “uncommon” tea sandwiches, upgrade from your traditional ham and cheese or turkey and cheese fare to something a bit more sophisticated.
This Turkey, Gouda, and Apple Tea Sandwich recipe delivers the taste of deli turkey, smoked Gouda cheese, apples, and cranberry sauce to deliver eyebrow-raising delicious flavors.
These sandwiches are simple to make and easy to fall in love with.
Substituting the cranberry sauce for dijon mustard was also delicious.
Easy Mini Fluffernutter Tea Sandwiches
Tea parties are all about cute and dainty little sandwiches. And this Easy Mini Fluffernutter Tea Sandwich recipe fits the bill brilliantly.
Those not familiar with fluffernutter sandwiches are made of equal parts marshmallow creme and peanut butter on white bread.
This mini-bite-sized version uses Nutella, a popular hazelnut spread for a nutty and unique flavor.
While these sandwiches might show up at many British tea parties, they were actually invented in the states, Massachusetts to be exact.
Nevertheless, this is a delicious treat with a global appeal.
While these cakes are usually seen at baby showers and weddings, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t make a fantastic tea party dessert.
Petite fours originated in France, and their name means “small oven.” This is because petit fours were once baked using the residual heat from brick ovens after making bread.
However, the modern version of these cakes is quite simple to make.
And you can make a batch and freeze them for up to three months, allowing the cakes to thaw slightly at room temperature before applying your white chocolate fondant.
Tuna Salad Tea Sandwiches
This updated recipe for Tuna Salad Tea Sandwiches uses several tasty ingredients to give these sandwiches a distinct personality apart from any tuna sandwich you’ve ever eaten.
The recipe includes ingredients like sour cream, tarragon, paprika, olives, onion, peppers, and mayonnaise to deliver a creamy and savory taste that’s anything but plain.
While white bread is traditionally used for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of bread such as wheat and sourdough.
Preparation for ten servings is about 20 minutes, and we suggest using canned white tuna.
Jam-Dotted Tea Cake Cookies
These sweet cookies are made for dunking into your tea. And this recipe for Jam-Dotted Tea Cake Cookies adds the flavor of your favorite jam.
This recipe has a total of nine ingredients, and it takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and bake nine cookies.
Of course, using the assembly line process and a large oven, you can bake even more in roughly the same amount of time.
Also, try topping them with powdered sugar.
Nothing says “afternoon tea party” like a cool and delicious cucumber sandwich. The crustless finger food was introduced in England back in the 1800s and has been a staple at tea parties ever since.
This recipe takes a page from the American-style version of this dish by adding a creamy herb spread between the bread slices.
You can also make open-face sandwiches using crostini bread.
Best of all, the ingredients are super-inexpensive, and the recipe takes almost no time to put together.
First, you want to ensure that your eggs are not too young. If you happen to buy farm-fresh eggs or raise chickens, you want eggs at least two weeks old.
This is because eggs that are younger than two weeks tend not to peel as easily.
And while there are lots of ways you can hard boil an egg, such as using the oven, microwave, or instapot, boiling is still the best, delivering the most consistent results.
This recipe uses six simple ingredients and gives detailed instructions on how best to prepare them.
Making lemon-meringue pie can be a bit of a headache.
However, this recipe makes things simple by using premade miniature tart shells and homemade microwave-made lemon curd.
You can also buy a lemon meringue topping or make your own (they provide a different recipe).
For something different, try mixing your lemon curd with other fruits like strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry, or top your pies with a fruit preserve instead of only meringue topping.
Mini-Bacon Quiche
One of the things we really love about this recipe is the boundless possibilities for remixing it into lots of delicious variations.
For example, by adding chopped cooked spinach, roasted red bell pepper, fresh minced dill, and crumbled feta cheese, you’ve made a Greek version.
There are also more examples of alternatives on the recipe page, but the original version is delightfully flavorful with crispy bits of bacon, ham, and lots of delicious cheese.
These are seriously delicious little bites that taste almost like mini omelets.
Another excellent seafood dish for any tea party is these savory Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches.
This recipe only has five simple ingredients, and you can put together lots of sandwiches since they all use only a single baguette slice.
Plus, most of the ingredients in the spread also double as your garnish.
How cool is that?
Also, try this spread with other recipes, such as chicken sandwiches or egg salad!
A tea party isn’t just a tea party without scones. If you’re not featured at your gatherings, you and your guests miss out on a real treat!
This recipe for making the perfect scones allows you to add your own variety of mix-ins, such as blueberries, strawberries, chocolate chips, chive, cheese, or other herbs.
Scones can be either hearty or sweet, or a bit of both. They indeed are a very versatile pastry.
Some folks even add ingredients like rosemary, garlic, bacon, and Jalapenos!
For a more traditional experience, try topping your scones with a clotted cream like Devonshire cream.
Creamy No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars
Finding a delicious vegan-friendly dessert doesn’t have to be a hassle.
Over the years, there have been tons of new recipes recreating classic meals without the use of animal byproducts. The results have been nothing short of remarkable!
This recipe for No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars packs all of the delicious sweet and tart lemon flavors into bite-size squares that contain zero eggs.
That’s right. This recipe doesn’t use eggs. Instead, it uses coconut milk, flour, and other ingredients to create a creamy texture.
You can also use a pinch of turmeric to give it more lemon color.
English Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is much like the sugar cookies Americans enjoy, only they are much easier to make.
The secret to making the perfect shortbread is keeping the process short.
This means you want to have a higher fat to flour ratio to ensure that you get a richer, more crumbly texture.
Also, you can use buttermilk or heavy cream. However, both offer a unique flavor. For example, if you’d like your cookies a bit tangier, buttermilk’s the way to go.
Positively, delicious with raspberry jam!
This recipe for Mini-Cheesecake Bites with strawberry jam is very adaptable to other fruit flavors.
For instance, you can use other preserves such as blueberry, blackberry, apricot, and cherry to create a wide variety of cheesecake treats for your tea party.
Now, keep in mind that you’ll need to allow your cheesecake to chill for at least four hours with this recipe.
Last, and anything but least, is a delicious pastry known as Rugelach.
Rugelach are crescent-shaped cookies with centers you can fill with all kinds of delicious ingredients like cream cheese, cinnamon, chocolate, strawberry preserve, and much much more.
This recipe will also show you how you can swap out the filling and outside flavoring.
Some of our favorites are the cinnamon and cream Rugelach that features a center of cream cheese mixed with butter (or almond butter), chopped pecans, and cinnamon.
You can dust the outside with light cinnamon and sugar for that recipe.
And try dipping your cinnamon Rugelach in homemade cream cheese frosting, you won’t be sorry!
30+ Tea Party Recipes (+Downton Abbey Style Egg Salad Sandwiches)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, Starter
- chopped hard-boiled eggs
- finely chopped red onion
- finely chopped celery
- fresh lime juice
- olive oil mayonnaise
- loaf French bread with crusts removed
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Spread egg salad on bread.
Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.
downton abby style egg salad sandwiches, tea party recipes
Let us know how it was!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book “Healthy Eating Through the Garden” will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer’s markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Waking up to a warm, rich cup of coffee is a great way to start the day. Even better? When there’s an equally delicious pastry to accompany it, like a cinnamon-sugar churro, flaky croissant, or a buttery cinnamon roll. Read on for all of those recipes and even more breakfast pastries to enjoy with your coffee.
Cinnamon-Sugar Churros with Cajeta
Churros require a relatively stiff batter to help them hold their ridged shape, leaving plenty of nooks for cinnamon sugar. To prevent blowouts while piping the batter, be sure to double-line the pastry bags, which will also give you more control.
Croissant is French for “crescent,” but the pastry’s shape doesn’t always match its name. Croissants au beurre, or butter croissants, are often rolled straight, since croissants ordinaire, made with margarine, are required by French law to be turned in like a crescent moon. Use a ruler when cutting the dough to ensure evenly sized croissants.
Almond and Plum Snack Cake
This snack cake catches the eye with its ripe red plums, toasted almonds, and glistening sugary crust, but the tender cake hidden underneath is the real star. The moist cake has a tight crumb, but a trio of butter, sour cream, and chunks of thick, sweet almond paste make it exceptionally tender.
Cherry and Cream Cheese Kolaches
These kolaches are filled with homemade cherry filling, but you can also use any jam you have on hand.
The secret to making doughnuts at home is in the dough: Retarding the shaped donuts allows a more complex, yeasty flavor to develop. The meringue filling is marshmallowy in texture; use an intense, robust, high-quality maple syrup to ensure lots of maple flavor.
Miso Caramel-Apple Danish
This riff on the classic Danish stars a sweet and savory tango of buttery miso-enriched caramel brushed over wafer-thin slices of apple. See our full step-by-step guide to making Miso Caramel-Apple Danish here.
New Orleans-Style Chicory Beignets
Chef David Kinch playfully combines two New Orleans classics: chicory coffee and beignets.
Fluffy, Buttery Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe yields 48 mini cinnamon rolls, drizzled with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, half-and-half, and cinnamon.
Double Lemon Scones
Lemon–poppy seed cake meets scones in this delightful recipe from F&W Culinary Director at Large Justin Chapple.
Add some pizazz to a late-afternoon, British-inspired gathering with delicate tea sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. Read on for our collection of favorite tea-time recipes.
Double-Lemon Scones
Cookbook author Martha Hall Foose says that in the early 1960s, The Time Life Picture Cook Book inspired Mississippi ladies to “go exotic” by adding ingredients like curry powder and orange zest to egg salad tea sandwiches.
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Pastry chef Paola Velez’s recipe for these chocolate sandwich cookies creates crisp, buttery cookies filled with rich, fluffy milk chocolate ganache. The creamy filling is made with chocolate and butter instead of the usual heavy cream, resulting in a softer ganache.
Cucumber-Rye Tea Sandwiches
Little slices of party rye are a Southern favorite for tea sandwiches: “You don’t see regular rye down here every day,” Martha Hall Foose says. If party rye isn’t available, use a cookie cutter to create rounds from regular bread slices.
Mini Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecakes
Whole, cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies are broken up in a food processor with hazelnuts and butter to create a super-crunchy crust for these delectable little cheesecakes. The cream filling in the cookies both sweetens the crust and prevents it from becoming too crumbly.
Meyer Lemon Marmalade
Likely a cross between an orange and a lemon, the Meyer lemon gives this sweet-tart marmalade a bright citrus flavor.
Mushroom Pomponnettes
At restaurant Daniel, Daniel Boulud makes these popular bite-size mushroom quiches in individual molds, but mini-muffin pans are perfect substitutes.
Burnt Honey-Orange Tuiles
The beauty of this cookie-brittle hybrid is that you can make it with any croissant — homemade or store-bought. To get thin, even slices, freeze the croissants for about 15 minutes before slicing. To ensure a crispy tuile, let the croissant slices bake until they are a deep golden brown to give the sugar in the syrup time to caramelize and harden to the perfect texture.
Mini Brie Sandwiches with Quick Balsamic-Leek Jam
These crisp, buttery, and supremely gooey grilled cheese sandwiches get fantastic tang from sourdough bread and a bright mustardy bite from leeks. They were inspired by a quiche that TV chef Alex Guarnaschelli ate years ago made from brioche layered with caramelized leeks and baked with Gruyère and Parmesan. In this version, she swaps in creamy Brie.
Strawberry-Ricotta Tartlets
Pastry chef Heather Tirrell uses buttermilk to make the ricotta she piles on graham tartlet shells. But any good, store-bought ricotta would be fine, she says.
Buttermilk Crumpets
Crisp on the outside with an airy, spongy center, crumpets are lovely hot out of the pan but also reheat beautifully in the toaster. Buttermilk helps to keep them tender and light, while spelt flour lends a nutty flavor.
Coconut Cake
Coconut cake, a dainty dessert, was in vogue in the 1920s for ladies’ gatherings. Traditionally made with marshmallow frosting, the cake was famously served to President Truman during a trip to Florida in the 1950s.
Two-Bite Parmesan Biscuits
These biscuits are baked on a bed of grated Parmesan cheese, resulting in a crispy, cheesy crust around the bottom of each biscuit. Perfect on their own, try them drizzled with a bit of honey, or improvise by tossing a few handfuls of fresh thyme or chives into the dough to take them over the top.
Chocolate-Dipped Florentine Shortbreads
Here, pastry chef Pierre Hermé combines the tenderness of shortbread with the elegance of florentines, the caramelized almond cookies studded with glittering candied fruit.
Fresh Ricotta and Radish Crostini
Homemade ricotta cheese is completely delicious and unbelievably easy to prepare — all it takes is milk, lemon juice, and a little heat. Chef Paul Kahan spreads it on crostini, then adds a few slices of pretty red radish and a sprinkling of pepper.
Lemon-Buckwheat Shortbread
Lemon filling highlights the nuttiness of buckwheat flour in these shortbread cookie sandwiches from 2017 F&W Best New Chef Nina Compton.
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
Blogger Mimi Thorisson spreads store-bought puff pastry with mustard-shallot béchamel, then layers it with ham and cheese before baking it into a crisp, rich, croque monsieur–like tart.
Earl Grey Tea Bread
Tea loaves have roots that branch out across Britain and Ireland. There are purists in all corners and plenty of debate about which version is best, but the basic premise remains the same wherever you go: Strong tea is used to make a silky, only lightly sweet cake batter, often with spices, which is then baked into a hearty loaf with dried fruit. Here, Earl Grey tea, along with the addition of a little orange zest, brings a welcome aromatic edge.
We’ve got plenty of inspiring afternoon tea ideas for you to select from including cupcakes, classic scones, and sandwiches too.
According to afternoontea.co.uk (opens in new tab); “Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm.” Traditional afternoon tea is composed of sandwiches (usually finger sandwiches) scones served with clotted cream and jam and a selection of sweet pastries and cakes to finish. All of which is served with a pot or two of tea.
Our selection of afternoon tea recipes is ideal for parties, and special occasions, or if you’re looking to make your own afternoon tea hampers (opens in new tab) as a gift for family and friends ranging from easy recipes for beginners to intricate bakes for those that have more time. Think lemon drizzle cake, cherry Bakewells, banana bread, and delicate strawberry macarons.
“No afternoon tea is complete without homemade cakes and pastries, sandwiches and not forgetting classic scones,” says Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks. “Indulging in afternoon tea is great for special occasions. Make everything the day before you plan on serving it so you can focus on decorating and laying the table with vintage crockery for example.“