Castello Summer of Blue — The French Connection Sandwich with Cucumber and Blue Cheese

Name: Castello Summer of Blue — The French Connection Sandwich with Cucumber and Blue Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large soft rolls (if making hors d’oeuvres instead, cut 24 round circles out of sandwich bread about 2 inches in diameter and proceed using the standard directions); Large wedge of brie, at room temperature; 1 cucumber, washed and thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; Mayonnaise; ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 large cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/8 teaspoon salt

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PARTNER POST – Get inspired with creatively crafted Castello Blue Cheese as we celebrate a Summer of Blue with #BluesdayTuesday.
A traditional French Connection is slathered with garlic butter and layered with crisp cucumber slices, brie blue cheese, and onion for a simply delightful sandwich.
By Kimberly Killebrew

French Cucumber and Blue Cheese Sandwich

Cheese has a way of reconnecting me to my original home of Europe. Every time I sample some European cheese my mind is taken back to the lands and regions where I spent my childhood.

And that’s what food is largely about for me. It either connects or reconnects me with places I know and love or places I’ve never been but long to experience.

French Cucumber and Blue Cheese Sandwich

One of my favorite European excursions was heading to King’s Lynn and stopping at their “bap” shop (that’s what the Brit’s call bread rolls) for a particular sandwich: The French Connection. I have no idea if this tiny sandwich shop is still in existence, but they offered a nice selection of filled baps. But the one my mom and I always got was this French-inspired delight that was slathered down with a generous amount of fresh garlic butter, mayonnaise, and then layered with crispy cucumber, onions, and a generous amount of brie.

Castello’s world-class European-imported cheese has reconnected me to my home on many occasions, including this one. I was able to try some of their fabulous blue-veined brie and of course it immediately made me think of those wonderful sandwiches in King’s Lynn. I thought if there was one way to improve upon the French Connection it would be to use a brie that has some glorious blue cheese veins running through it.

French Cucumber and Blue Cheese Sandwich

So today I’m sharing the recipe for the French Connection and I’m doubling up this time – I’m going to show you how to make it TWO ways: The traditional way and in hors d’oeuvres form, which is absolutely fabulous. I promise your guests will love them!

Castello Summer of Blue — The French Connection Sandwich with Cucumber and Blue Cheese

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3 from 1 review

Author: Kimberly Killebrew
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches or 24 hors d'oeuvres 1x

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Description

A traditional French Connection sandwich, enhanced with garlic butter, crisp cucumber slices, brie blue cheese, and onion, offering a taste of European delight.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large soft rolls (if making hors d’oeuvres instead, cut 24 round circles out of sandwich bread about 2 inches in diameter and proceed using the standard directions)
Large wedge of brie, at room temperature
1 cucumber, washed and thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Mayonnaise

For the Garlic Butter:

¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic to make the garlic butter. Set aside.
If the garlic butter has been stored in the fridge, allow it to soften at room temperature before using.
Spread the bottom half of each roll with a generous amount of garlic butter.
Spread a layer of mayonnaise over the garlic butter.
Layer the cucumber slices evenly over the mayonnaise.
Add a layer of thinly sliced onions on top of the cucumbers.
Generously layer slices of brie blue cheese over the onions.
Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and press down gently.
If making hors d’oeuvres, follow the same layering process on each bread circle.

Notes

For a more intense garlic flavor, prepare the garlic butter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best texture. If making hors d’oeuvres, they are perfect for parties and can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich or 6 hors d'oeuvres
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 22
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 2
Protein: 12
Cholesterol: 60

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of blue cheese should I use for this sandwich?

For this recipe, using Castello’s blue-veined brie cheese will give you the best flavor and texture, as it complements the garlic butter and cucumber layers.

How should I prepare the garlic butter for the sandwich?

To prepare the garlic butter, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and spread it generously on the bread before assembling the sandwich.

Can I substitute the brie blue cheese with another type of cheese?

While brie blue cheese is recommended for its creamy texture and strong flavor, you can substitute it with another creamy blue cheese, but the taste may differ.