Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate finger sandwiches spread with a tangy lemon butter infused with fresh chives and dill, perfect for an elegant afternoon tea. This british-inspired mother’s day ready in about 15 minutes pairs softened unsalted butter, finely grated lemon zest, fresh squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 6 British cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  2. Step 2: Using a butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of the lemon butter mixture on 12 slices of white sandwich bread, ensuring each slice is coated edge to edge.
  3. Step 3: Trim the crusts off the bread slices with a sharp knife. Then, stack two slices, buttered side in, and gently press together.
  4. Step 4: Cut each sandwich into four small rectangles or triangles to serve as dainty finger sandwiches for tea.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon Butter Tea Sandwiches with Chive and Dill?

British mother’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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