Cucumber Cream Cheese Ham Bites: Quick Party Appetizer Recipe

A Party Favorite

Shaved Ham Snacks with Cucumber Cream Cheese combine whipped cream cheese, grated cucumber, and delicate shaved ham, seasoned with celery salt and dried dill. They’re simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and always disappear quickly at gatherings.

I’m a huge fan of small sandwiches — bite-sized snacks are my weakness. These little toasts are one of my go-to appetizers. The cucumber adds a bright, fresh note that balances the savory ham and creamy cheese.

These can be made with any thinly shaved ham. The version pictured uses Krakus Polish Ham, which I enjoy for its mild flavor, but any deli-style shaved ham works well. I often bring these to events and they’re usually half gone before I get a chance to sit down.

The recipe is straightforward: grate half a seedless cucumber into the cream cheese mixture, thinly slice the remaining half for garnish, season with celery salt and a touch of dried dill, and pile everything on small rye bread squares. They’re elegant, tasty, and ideal for parties or casual entertaining.

Grating Is Great

Use a whole seedless cucumber. Slice half into thin rounds (then into half moons if you prefer) to top the snacks, and grate the other half on the coarse side of a box grater. Toss the grated cucumber with a teaspoon of celery salt and let it sit briefly to draw out excess moisture and develop flavor.

The salted, grated cucumber blended into the whipped cream cheese gives the topping a cool, slightly tangy texture that contrasts nicely with the ham. The sliced cucumber rounds provide a fresh, crisp garnish on top.

The Bread

Party rye bread squares are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find pre-made party bread, cut any rye or pumpernickel into small bite-sized squares or triangles that take two to three bites.

Any sturdy rye or pumpernickel will hold the cream cheese and toppings well. Choose a bread with enough structure to support the layers without falling apart.

Ham On It

Choose thinly shaved deli ham for the best texture. The ham should be mild enough to let the cucumber cream cheese shine. Run a knife through the shaved ham to create smaller, more manageable pieces that sit nicely on each toast.

These snacks work with many types of ham; choose your favorite or what’s available at the deli. The combination of creamy, herbed cheese, crisp cucumber, and tender ham is what makes the bites irresistible.

Make It Easy

Spread the cream cheese mixture on each bread square with a knife or spoon, or put the mixture in a Ziploc bag and snip a corner to pipe neat dollops. A pastry bag works too — whatever saves time and keeps the presentation tidy.

After piping or spreading the cream cheese, press a bit of shaved ham onto each square, add a cucumber slice, then finish with chopped chives and a light sprinkle of dried dill. Chill for a few hours if preparing ahead; they keep well in the refrigerator for up to six hours before serving.

Yield: 24 Mini Bites

Shaved Ham Snacks with Cucumber Cream Cheese Recipe

These mini toasts pair a zesty cucumber-infused cream cheese with shaved ham, cucumber slices, and chives on small rye bread squares. They’re perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. shaved ham (any deli-style ham will work)
• 1 package party rye bread (about 24 mini squares) or cut rye/pumpernickel into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tub whipped cream cheese (12 ounces)
• 1 seedless cucumber
• 12–15 chives
• 1/2 tablespoon dried dill
• 1–2 teaspoons celery salt

Instructions

1. Wash the cucumber (do not peel). Cut it in half lengthwise. Thinly slice one half into rounds, then cut into half moons if desired for garnish.
2. Grate the other half using the coarse side of a box grater into a bowl. Add one teaspoon celery salt, toss, and let sit for a few minutes.
3. Place the whipped cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Thinly slice half the chives and add to the cream cheese along with a pinch of celery salt. Beat briefly on low until combined.
4. Add the grated cucumber to the cream cheese and mix on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until well incorporated.
5. Season the cucumber slices with a light sprinkle of celery salt and set aside.
6. Run a knife through the shaved ham to create smaller, more even pieces.
7. Arrange bread pieces on a platter. Spread or pipe about 1/2 tablespoon of the cucumber cream cheese on each piece.
8. Top each with a portion of shaved ham, pressing it gently into the cream cheese, then add a cucumber slice and press it into place.
9. Finish by sprinkling remaining chopped chives and dried dill over the top.
10. Cover and refrigerate for up to six hours before serving. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.