21 Delicious High Tea Recipes for an Elegant Afternoon Spread

No high tea menu is complete without the iconic classic cucumber sandwich. These delicious finger sandwiches are made with thin slices of cucumber on lightly buttered white or whole-grain bread, seasoned with salt and a touch of cracked pepper. Cut into crustless triangles or rectangles, they offer a refreshing taste and pair perfectly with Earl Grey tea. These sandwiches are a staple of British afternoon tea recipes and are the ideal finger food for tea parties. For added beauty, use herbed cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Creamy egg salad finger sandwiches are a high tea favorite, offering protein-packed richness in bite-sized form. Made with chopped boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a hint of fresh dill, these sandwiches are both hearty and elegant. Serve them on soft white or brioche bread with the crusts removed for a traditional touch. These are perfect for afternoon tea ideas when you want a savory option that’s still light and satisfying. Pair with an English Breakfast tea for a balanced flavor.

This smoked salmon and cream cheese spread is a luxurious addition to any high tea spread. Layer silky smoked salmon on mini rye toast or blini, spread with herbed cream cheese, and top with a sprig of dill or capers. These bite-sized delicacies are full of flavor and make elegantly delicious tea-time snacks. Rich in omega-3s and protein, they are a healthy choice that still feels awesome. Serve with Darjeeling tea for a sophisticated pairing.

Mini Quiche Lorraine is a savory delight filled with smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and eggs baked in buttery pastry shells. These are perfect savory bites for high tea and can be made ahead for convenience. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside herbal or black teas. Quiches are a versatile option on a high tea menu, offering satisfying flavor in a dainty format. For a vegetarian version, use spinach and feta instead of bacon.

These cheddar and chive scones are a savory twist on the classic scone, perfect for high tea gatherings. Buttery with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives baked in, they’re ideal for pairing with soups or enjoying on their own. Serve with a spoonful of sour cream or herb butter. This savory tea time snack adds variety to your tea party finger foods while still fitting the elegant tea party vibe.

A classic chicken salad tea sandwich is always a hit at high tea. Shredded chicken mixed with mayonnaise, celery, grapes, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a creamy and sweet-savory flavor profile. These mini sandwiches can be served on croissants or crustless bread and are among the best tea party snacks. They also offer protein and a satisfying bite without being too heavy, making them ideal for an afternoon tea menu.

Golden, flaky puff pastry sausage rolls are a hearty and crowd-pleasing addition to any high tea spread. Filled with seasoned ground sausage, onions, and herbs, they are baked to perfection and cut into bite-sized pieces. These savory tea party finger foods are rich in flavor and texture. Serve them warm with a pot of black tea for a robust pairing. They also freeze well, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

Classic scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam are a must-have for a high tea. These British scones are buttery, crumbly, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for a spoonful of clotted cream and sour jam. Serve them piping hot for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This traditional tea treat pairs beautifully with a pot of black tea or Earl Grey. For best results, use high-quality ingredients and follow a tried-and-true recipe. Learn more about how to make authentic British scones.

Lemon drizzle mini cakes bring a zesty freshness to your high tea spread. These moist, fluffy cakes are soaked with a lemon syrup glaze, giving them a sweet and tangy finish. Their individual size makes them perfect for portion control and easy serving. Lemon desserts are known to cleanse the palate, making these cakes a welcome break between savory items. They're easy to bake and store, and they look stunning on a tiered tea tray.

Colorful and elegant, French macarons add a sophisticated touch to any high tea menu. These almond-based sandwich cookies come in a variety of flavors such as raspberry, pistachio, and lavender. With a crisp exterior and chewy interior, macarons offer a delightful contrast in texture. They are gluten-free and naturally portioned, making them a crowd-pleaser. For a visual wow factor and delicious flavor variety, macarons are one of the best sweet finger foods for afternoon tea.

Victoria's sponge cake is a classic British favorite for tea time. Made with two layers of fluffy sponge cake filled with raspberry jam and whipped cream or buttercream, it's light yet delicious. Cut into small squares or rectangles for easy serving at your next tea party. This cake is named after Queen Victoria and has been a staple of traditional English afternoon tea for generations.

Mini fruit tarts are a colorful and refreshing addition to your high tea menu. With a buttery tart shell, creamy custard filling, and fresh seasonal fruits on top, they offer a perfect balance of texture and taste. These bite-sized delights are eye-catching and provide a light finish to a tea-time meal. Ideal for summer tea parties, they can be customized with berries, kiwi, or even edible flowers.

Rich and buttery, shortbread cookies are a timeless favorite at high tea. Made with just a few ingredients—flour, butter, and sugar—these cookies melt in your mouth and pair wonderfully with black or herbal teas. You can flavor them with vanilla, lemon zest, or even lavender for a gourmet twist. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes or traditional fingers. Try a classic recipe like this BBC Good Food Shortbread.

For a simple yet awesome treat, chocolate-dipped strawberries are unbeatable. Juicy, ripe strawberries covered in thick dark or milk chocolate add a touch of flavor to your tea. They're easy to make and require no baking - just dip and chill. They're naturally gluten-free and look amazing on a serving tray. For variety, dust them with chopped nuts, coconut, or white chocolate. Serve with green or oolong tea to enhance the fruity flavor and chocolatey taste.

A traditional high tea is incomplete without a strong, full-bodied English Breakfast tea. This black tea blend, often containing Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas, is robust and slightly malty, making it ideal to pair with both sweet and savory tea party foods. Serve it with milk and sugar or a slice of lemon. Known for its versatility and timeless appeal, English Breakfast is one of the most popular teas for afternoon tea lovers worldwide. Read more about the origins of English Breakfast Tea.

Enhance your tea drinking experience with Earl Grey infused with Lavender. This aromatic black tea features the signature flavor of bergamot orange, combined with the soothing aroma of lavender flowers. It adds a floral touch to your tea selection and pairs wonderfully with lemon-based desserts or buttery scones. Earl Grey Lavender Tea is also rich in antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest and most elegant tea choices for your high tea party.

For a refreshing and caffeine-free option, serve fresh mint tea. Simply steep fresh spearmint or peppermint leaves in hot water and serve with honey or lemon on the side. This digestive-friendly tea is a great way to cleanse the palate between courses and makes an excellent herbal tea offering. Mint tea is perfect for summer garden tea parties and pairs well with fruit tarts or cucumber sandwiches.

Add warmth and spice to your tea menu with the creamy Cha Cha Latte. Made with black tea infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger, the chai is comforting and delicious. Mix with steamed milk and honey or sugar for a delightful tea experience. This Indian-inspired drink adds cultural diversity to your high tea and pairs well with savory pastries and treats like buttermilk. Try this authentic chai latte recipe.

For a colorful and tangy twist, serve chilled hibiscus iced tea. This vibrant red herbal tea is rich in vitamin C and has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Sweeten it lightly with honey or agave and serve over ice with slices of orange or lemon for added zest. Hibiscus tea is not only refreshing but also one of the best iced tea options for high tea events held outdoors or during warmer seasons.

Rose milk tea is a romantic and floral beverage made with black tea, rosewater, and milk. It offers a subtly sweet flavor with fragrant rose notes that pair beautifully with delicate desserts like macarons or sponge cake. This elegant tea is often served chilled or warm, depending on the season. Rose milk tea not only looks beautiful but also adds an aromatic dimension to your tea selection.

 Looking for a non-caffeinated, non-tea option? Sparkling elderflower cordial is a sophisticated and refreshing beverage to serve at high tea. This floral drink combines elderflower syrup with sparkling water or soda for a light, bubbly alternative. Garnish with mint or lemon slices for a chic presentation. It’s perfect for guests who prefer a cooler, alcohol-free beverage with a gourmet feel. You can find a premium recipe and guide at River Cottage’s elderflower cordial.