Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly and slicing it into thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the more delicate the sandwich will be. If you prefer a less watery sandwich, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for a few minutes, then blot off the excess moisture with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise (if using), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer an herbaceous flavor, you can add a teaspoon of fresh chopped dill, chives, or parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface, ensuring every bite has a creamy flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cucumber Slices
Arrange the cucumber slices evenly on top of the cream cheese-covered bread. Make sure the cucumbers are spread out well to get a consistent crunch in each bite. If you’d like, you can lightly sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on top of the cucumber slices for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches and Serve
Top the cucumber and cream cheese-covered bread with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich. Use a sharp knife to trim off the crusts for a neat and elegant look, and then cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.