What to Serve with Afternoon Tea? 15 Perfect Ideas

Afternoon tea - a quaint, British tradition that has won hearts all over the globe. It's a moment to pause in the afternoon, to savor a hot cup of tea and bite into delicious nibbles.

But if you're planning an afternoon tea session, what do you serve? Here's a list of delightful side dishes that complement the soothing taste of tea and elevate your afternoon tea experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with afternoon tea are cinnamon rolls, banana bread, ham and cheese pinwheels, BLT sandwiches, oatmeal pie, muffin mix waffles, brioche French toast, lemon blueberry scones, cheddar cheese biscuits, strawberry shortcake, smoked salmon sandwiches, mini quiches, and southern mash.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic favorite with their warm, fluffy texture, and fragrant cinnamon sugar filling. Their gooey sweetness complements the mild bitterness of tea wonderfully, making for a satisfying treat. You can serve them warm and fresh out of the oven or even prep them in advance. A dash of cream cheese frosting on top adds a delectable creaminess that's hard to resist.

2. Banana Bread

Banana bread is another delightful pairing with tea. Its moist texture and sweet banana flavor create a comforting mouthful that's hard to resist. The best part? It's a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop. You can throw in some walnuts for a crunchy contrast or drizzle it with some honey for extra sweetness.

3. Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels are an afternoon tea staple. They're light, delicious, and just the right size for a tea-time snack. The savory combination of ham and cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry is a perfect contrast to the sweetness of your tea. Not to mention, they're easy to make and can be prepped in advance, so you have more time to enjoy your tea.

4. BLT Sandwiches

BLT sandwiches are a classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. The contrasting flavors and textures make for a satisfying bite alongside your cup of tea. You can use whole grain bread for a healthier version or stick with traditional white bread. Either way, the combination of savory, salty, and fresh elements in a BLT make it a great tea-time treat.

5. Oatmeal Pie

Oatmeal pie is a dessert that feels wholesome and indulgent at the same time. Its creamy filling, enriched with oats and brown sugar, has a comforting texture that pairs well with a hot cup of tea. A slice of this pie is a hearty treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And since oats are packed with fiber, you'll feel satisfied without overindulging.

6. Muffin Mix Waffles

Muffin mix waffles are a creative and delicious addition to your afternoon tea menu. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and come with a touch of sweetness that complements your tea. Plus, they're incredibly versatile - you can use any muffin mix flavor you prefer. Serve them warm with some butter or syrup for a delightful afternoon treat.

7. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are an elegant, protein-packed snack perfect for an afternoon tea spread. They're creamy, flavorful, and perfectly bite-sized. You can make them traditional with just mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika, or get creative by adding ingredients like bacon, chives, or even avocado. The creaminess of the filling contrasts wonderfully with the bitterness of the tea.

8. Brioche French Toast

Brioche French Toast is a luxurious choice for afternoon tea. This dish takes the traditional French toast up a notch, with brioche's buttery flavor and fluffy texture absorbing the egg and milk mixture wonderfully. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkling of powdered sugar, it's a delightful sweet treat to pair with your tea.

9. Lemon Blueberry Scones

Lemon Blueberry Scones bring together the bright flavors of lemon and sweet blueberries, wrapped in a buttery scone. The citrusy note of lemon adds a refreshing touch, perfectly complementing the comforting warmth of your tea. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for an afternoon tea gathering.

10. Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Cheddar Cheese Biscuits add a savory touch to your tea-time spread. They’re buttery, flaky, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese flavor. You can serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a little dollop of butter. The richness of the biscuits pairs excellently with the lighter taste of your tea.

11. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus brings together a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs well with the crisp and slightly sweet asparagus. It's an elegant, easy-to-make dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your afternoon tea spread.

12. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is a sweet, tangy treat that complements afternoon tea beautifully. The fluffy biscuit base, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream topping create layers of texture and flavor that dance in your mouth. It's a light, refreshing dessert that won't weigh you down.

13. Smoked Salmon Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon Sandwiches are a classic tea-time savory snack. Thin slices of smoked salmon, a spread of cream cheese, a sprinkle of fresh dill, all tucked into soft bread - this sandwich brings a delicate balance of flavors that pairs well with tea. It’s a high-protein option that’s still light and satisfying.

14. Mini Quiches

Mini Quiches are a bite-sized delight that are easy to serve and eat at tea time. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or bacon. The creamy egg filling and crisp pastry crust offer a pleasing contrast of textures. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving.

15. Raspberry Almond Tart

For a touch of elegance and a burst of fruity flavor, a raspberry almond tart is the perfect side dish to serve with afternoon tea. This tart brings together the sweetness of ripe raspberries, the crunch of toasted almonds, and a buttery pastry base for a truly delectable experience. It's a visually appealing treat that adds a splash of color to your tea-time spread and tastes as delightful as it looks.

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