Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
SQUASH, APPLE & GRUYÈRE CREAM TEA SANDWICHES

Creamy squash, crisp apple, and melted Gruyère come together in this elegant tea sandwich.

Dress it up with fresh flowers or a touch of gold, either way it’s a simple but special option for gatherings or afternoon tea.

I love sandwiches, especially fancy, cute, tasty, little sandwiches. I also have a love for squash. So here, just for you, is a fancy vegetarian tea sandwich that’s perfect for entertaining. Squash, apple and Gruyère with a touch of edible gold — it’s delicious,  beautiful and full of festive magic.

This sandwich is about layers of both comfort and sparkle: creamy herbed mayo, gently mashed squash, melted Gruyère, and bright, thinly sliced apples are tucked inside sourdough bread and finished with a flourish of edible flowers and gold.

I am obsessed with the mandolin; it really does make all the difference. And I love supporting local, which is why I choose to shop at Knifewear. You can purchase not only the best knives, but your next obsession — the mandolin. With little effort, it can transform the simplest ingredients into culinary works of art.

SQUASH, APPLE & GRUYÈRE CREAM TEA SANDWICHES
Print Pin

Squash, Apple & Gruyère Cream Tea Sandwich

A savoury vegetarian tea sandwich layered with squash, apple, and melted Gruyère. Serves 4, makes 6-8 sandwiches.

Ingredients

Herb Mayo

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried lemon thyme
  • 1 tsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Squash Filling

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red onion, small dice
  • 1 cup butternut squash, small dice
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp dried lemon thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • salt and pepper to taste

Seasoned Apples

  • 1/2 cup crisp apple, very thinly sliced on a mandolin or with a serrated blade
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp dried lemon thyme

Assemble

  • 1 small sourdough loaf, sliced lengthwise
  • 6 slices Gruyère cheese

Garnish

  • edible snapdragons
  • edible marigolds
  • edible gold dpray

Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add red onion and cook until softened. Add diced squash and pour in vegetable stock. Simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is very soft, and the liquid has mostly reduced. Mash with a fork or masher until spreadable. Stir in maple syrup, lemon thyme, parsley, tarragon, onion powder, lemon zest, salt and white pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Toss apples gently with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, parsley and lemon thyme. Reserve a small amount of the apple slices for garnish.
  • Spread herb mayo evenly over the bottom half of the sourdough. Spread a generous layer of mashed squash over the mayo. Lay 3 slices of Gruyère over the squash and torch until the cheese melts.
  • Layer the seasoned apple slices over the melted cheese. Spread a thin layer of herb mayo on the cut side of the top slice of bread, and then spread another layer of squash over the apples. Place the top bread slice on and press down gently. Top with the remaining 3 slices of Gruyère and torch to melt the cheese. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Trim and cut into 6–8 rectangular tea sandwiches. Garnish with reserved seasoned apples, snapdragons, marigolds and spray a light mist of edible gold before serving.