Savory Treats to Serve with Tea

Photo: Coral Von Zumwalt

Bruschetta, But Not the One You're Thinking Of

While the acidity of a tomato-and-basil-topped slice of toasted baguette goes well with a glass of wine, we prefer something more subtle with a cup of tea. Enter this delicate bruschetta, which combines crabmeat, shallots and dill, and has a subtle zing from preserved lemon rind.

Get the recipe: Crab Toast Canapés

Photo: Johnny Miller

An Easier-Than-Quiche Bacon and Cheese Treat

If you can fry bacon, you can make this bread, which is a pleasant departure from the expected banana or zucchini variety. You just combine the usual flour, egg, etc. with grated Gruyère, chopped bacon and caramelized onions, then bake. Try serving slices with Concord grape jelly—the fruity flavor enhances the smoky meat and sharp cheese.

Get the recipe: Bacon and Cheese Quick Bread

Photo: Peden + Munk

A Breakfast Favorite with a Tea-Time Vibe

These tartines are a new twist on old-fashioned tea sandwiches: a piece of dark pumpernickel toast serves as the backdrop for an herbed cream-cheese spread; on top of that goes a slice of pink smoked salmon and a mixture of red onion, dill and capers.

Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Tartines with Red Onion Relish

Photo: Georgia Glynn Smith

The Grocery Store Finger Food Everyone Loves

These creamy, salty, crunchy and sweet skewers are proof that you can make something incredible out of supermarket staples, without even having to turn on the stove or oven. All you need is roast beef, a hunk of blue cheese, green grapes and toothpicks, and you've got a snack reminiscent of a familiar meat-and-cheese appetizer, served in a brand new way.

Get the recipe: Cold Roast Beef, Blue Cheese and Grapes

Photo: Christopher Baker

The Sandwiches That Are (Almost) Impossible to Max Out On

Serving an array of tea sandwiches is traditional when serving tea, and these three—cheese and cucumber, ham and cheese, bacon and egg—are classics. The key is to keep them modest (think one slice of meat, not five). Dipping one edge of each sandwich in a dish of chopped herbs gives them a fresh look (and taste).

Get the recipe: Tea Sandwiches