Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition and not one to miss out on if you haven’t got a sweet tooth.
Of course, when someone invites you to an afternoon tea you might picture miniature cakes and tarts, an assortment of jams and tea galore, and don’t worry, we have you covered if that’s what you love. Head over to our helpful guide on how to throw an afternoon tea party and check out our afternoon tea recipes for those sweet delights.
For those with less of a sweet tooth, we’ve got plenty of savoury options here, including vegetarian and vegan savoury afternoon tea ideas for those on a plant-based diet. Check out our best afternoon tea sandwiches for more savoury options, or take a look at our vegan afternoon tea recipes for more plant-based afternoon tea recipes.
Show kids the fun of hosting with our family-friendly recipes in our guide to afternoon tea for kids. If you’re aiming for a hassle-free hosting experience, explore our collection of quick and easy recipes in our easiest ever afternoon tea guide. We also recognise the budget constraints that often accompany event planning. Our budget-friendly afternoon tea ideas provide a wealth of inspiration that’s both economical and stunning.
Savoury afternoon tea recipes
Afternoon tea sandwiches
1. Club sandwich
Put together an assortment of sensational sandwiches for your afternoon tea spread. Begin with this timeless club sandwich, a multi-layered delight featuring succulent meats like turkey, chicken and bacon.
2. Vegetarian club
If a plant-based alternative is more to your liking, enjoy this vegetarian club sandwich, piled high with hummus, thickly sliced tomato, carrot and watercress.
3. Reuben sandwich
If you prefer heartier options for your sandwich options, try this reuben sandwich, where tangy sauerkraut complements savoury meat. It’s an irresistible blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese and sauce – or you can opt for pastrami if you prefer.
4. Schnitzel sandwich
Alternatively, try a schnitzel sandwich which has a parmesan and breadcrumb crust and tantalising chilli mayonnaise. The Grana Padano cheese adds an extra hit of umami flavour to the crunchy schnitzel coating in this stacked sandwich.
Discover more afternoon tea sandwich ideas.
Savoury scones
5. Classic cheese scones
You can’t go wrong with cheese scones in the mix for afternoon tea. Indulge in these classic cheese scones, perfect for pairing with cold cuts of meat, or dipping into your favourite dips.
6. Cheese & Marmite scones
These moreish cheese & Marmite scones elevate cheese scones to new levels of flavour. The added Marmite adds a burst of umami flavours.
7. Cheddar & sage scones
Cheese scones also work beautifully with the fragrant flavour of sage. Infuse sophistication into your tea ritual with these cheddar & sage scones.
8. Coronation chicken scones
What could be more British than a scone and coronation chicken combination? These filled scones are ideal for a summer party or picnic. Or for a vegetarian twist on scone fillings, swap out traditional bread and try these ploughman scones.
9. ‘Cheesy’ vegan scones
And finally for scones, a plant-based alternative: these vegan scones, made with nutritional yeast, ensure that everyone can get involved in the afternoon tea tradition.
Savoury afternoon tea finger food ideas
10. Mini quiches
Replace your typical patisserie afternoon tea options with some savoury bites that will leave no one hungry. These mini quiches are great for feeding a hungry crowd as they make 18-20 servings.
11. Egg muffins
Alternatively, for a gluten-free and vegetarian twist, opt for our effortless egg muffins, generously filled with a medley of broccoli, pepper, spring onion and cheddar.
12. Caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls
Turn the classic sausage roll into a sophisticated finger food with these onion & thyme sausage rolls. Using store-bought pastry makes these a breeze to prepare ahead of a gathering.
13. Vegetarian sausage rolls
Alternatively, go for a meat-free alternative with these veggie sausage rolls, brimming with a blend of mushrooms, chestnuts, leeks and cheese.
14. Smoked trout tartlets
Tartlets make a gorgeous dinner party canapé and make a great addition to an afternoon tea stand. Try these smoked trout options, or for a veggie option, make our caramelised mushroom tartlets.
15. Next level scotch eggs
While scotch eggs may evoke images of pub lunches or outdoor eating, this next level recipe amps up the picnic favourites, making them great for any occasion.
16. Mini pork pies
And don’t forget the merits of pork pies too – these mini pork pies won’t last long on an afternoon tea stand.
17. Celery sticks with blue cheese dip
To add a flash of freshness to your spread, our celery sticks with blue cheese will make a welcome addition.
18. Spicy aubergine dip with carrot dippers
Add something different to your afternoon tea spread with carrots served with a punchy aubergine dip. It makes a low-calorie, low-fat option for the table.
19. Mackerel paté
Up the afternoon tea ante by making our homemade mackerel paté. Easy to make, simply blend smoked mackerel with soft cheese, horseradish sauce and lemon juice then top with a sprinkling of cayenne and serve with toast.
20. Multi-seed cheese straws
Versatile cheese straws are always a welcome addition to a savoury spread. With the added flavours of sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes and sea salt, enjoy with your favourite dips.
21. Air fryer arancini
Who says afternoon tea can’t include arancini? Use your air-fryer to make these Italian-inspired crunchy, golden rice balls.
22. Cheese & bacon turnovers
These easy-to-make cheese and bacon pastries are versatile enough for afternoon tea. They will keep for up to three days so you can keep any leftovers for lunchboxes or snacking another day.
23. Air fryer spinach & feta filo parcels
Enjoy the classic combination of spinach and feta inside these moreish air-fryer filo pastry parcels. They make an ideal veggie option for the table.
Discover more party food and finger food recipes, perfect for entertaining.
Check out more of our afternoon tea ideas…
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15 scone recipes you’ll fall in love with
How to bake for a cake sale
Health benefits of rooibos tea
Christmas afternoon tea recipes