- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, grated carrot, chopped dill, pepper, salt, mixed herbs, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Place cucumber slices over the cream cheese layer on two bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches, pressing gently to seal.
- Trim the crusts if desired and cut the sandwiches into halves or triangles.
- Serve immediately or pack in a lunch box. For a crispy texture, toast the sandwiches in a pan or air fryer before serving.
- Calories:350 kcal25%
- Energy:1464 kJ22%
- Protein:8 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:3 mg8%
- Salt:400 g25%
- Fat:20 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Cream Cheese & Carrot Sandwich Recipe – Dill & Ginger Twist
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious lunch ideas. Especially ones that sneak in a little extra goodness, right? Well, let me share my go-to – this Cream Cheese & Carrot Sandwich with a lovely dill and ginger twist. It’s seriously become a family favourite, and I think you’ll love it too! It’s perfect for a speedy weekday lunch, a picnic, or even just a satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average sandwich. The combination of creamy cream cheese, crunchy grated carrot, and the fresh, vibrant flavours of dill and ginger is just chef’s kiss. It’s a delightful change from the usual, and honestly, it feels a little bit special. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes – perfect for busy days!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty sandwiches:
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup carrot, grated (about 1 medium carrot)
- 2 tbsp dill leaves, finely chopped
- ½ tsp pepper powder (or to taste)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 bread slices
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make this recipe even better:
Cream Cheese Varieties
You can use any cream cheese you like! I usually go for full-fat for the richest flavour, but light cream cheese works just as well if you’re watching your calories. Even a flavoured cream cheese (chive & onion is lovely!) could add another dimension.
The Significance of Dill in Indian Cuisine
While dill might seem a bit unusual in a sandwich, it’s actually quite common in Indian cooking! Soya Kabab often features dill, and it adds a lovely freshness to many dishes. I love how it brightens up this sandwich.
Using Fresh Ginger vs. Ginger Paste
Freshly grated ginger is always best for that zingy flavour. However, if you’re short on time, about ½ teaspoon of ginger paste will do in a pinch. Just remember that ginger paste can be a bit more potent, so start with less and add more to taste.
Bread Choices for the Perfect Sandwich
I prefer a soft white bread for this sandwich, but whole wheat, multigrain, or even sourdough would work beautifully. It really comes down to personal preference!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.
- First, in a bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated carrot, chopped dill leaves, pepper powder, salt, mixed herbs, and grated ginger. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely blended. Don’t be afraid to really get in there and make sure it’s all combined!
- Now, spread that gorgeous cream cheese mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice. A generous layer is key!
- Next, arrange the cucumber slices over the cream cheese layer on two of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices to form your sandwiches, and gently press down to seal them.
- If you like, trim the crusts off – my kids prefer it that way! Then, cut the sandwiches into halves or triangles.
- Serve immediately, or pack them up for lunch. For a little extra something, you can toast them in a pan or air-fryer for a crispy texture.
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Grate the carrot finely. This ensures it mixes well with the cream cheese and doesn’t make the sandwich too chunky.
- Don’t overfill the sandwiches! It’s tempting, but it makes them harder to eat.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
Vegan Adaptation
Swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative. There are some really good ones available now!
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Simply use your favourite gluten-free bread.
Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Green Chilies)
My friend, Priya, loves a little kick! Add a finely chopped green chili to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
Picnic/Travel Friendly Version
Spread a thin layer of butter on the bread before adding the cream cheese mixture. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches are great on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A side of fruit salad
- A small bowl of soup
- A handful of potato chips (or namkeen for an Indian twist!)
Storage Instructions
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The bread might get a little softer, but they’ll still taste delicious!
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can! But keep in mind the bread might get a little softer. Wrapping them tightly helps.
What is the best way to prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading a thin layer of butter on the bread before adding the cream cheese mixture can help.
Can I use other herbs instead of dill?
Absolutely! Parsley, cilantro, or even chives would be lovely.
Is this sandwich suitable for kids?
Definitely! It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies. You might want to skip the pepper for very young children.
How can I add protein to this sandwich?
Add a slice of grilled chicken, turkey, or ham. Or, sprinkle in some crumbled paneer for a vegetarian protein boost!
Enjoy! I really hope you give this Cream Cheese & Carrot Sandwich a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below!