What to Eat with Tea : 8 Incredible Side Dishes to Try
Many people enjoy a nice cup of tea but don’t know what to have with it. This article provides some great ideas for what to serve with tea.
I’ve always been a fan of tea. I grew up drinking it with my mom and grandma, and now I love to drink it with my husband. We usually have it in the morning or evening, but sometimes we enjoy a nice cup of tea in the afternoon too.
Since we like to drink tea often, I’ve become good at coming up with different things to eat. I’m always looking for new ideas, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite tea-time snacks. So pull up a chair, brew yourself a cup of tea, and let’s get started.
What to Eat with Tea
- Quiche
- Scones
- Wafers
- Cakes
- Sandwiches
- Shortbread
- Iced buns
- Earl grey teacakes
Quiche
Quiche is a savory eggs-and-milk custard baked in a pie crust and typically filled with cheese and vegetables. It can also be made with meat.
Quiche is a versatile dish that goes well with tea because it is fluffy and moist, yet firm enough to cut into small pieces. The rich flavor of the eggs is balanced by the milk, and the addition of cheese and vegetables gives it a complex flavor that pairs well with tea.
Quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for busy hostesses. So whether you are hosting a formal tea party or a casual get-together, it makes an excellent side dish.
Scones
Scones are a type of quick bread that originated in England. They are typically baked in small, round shapes and are light and crumbly.
Scones are usually served with tea, often with clotted cream or other toppings such as jam or lemon curd. They can be made with different kinds of flour, including whole wheat, rye, or oat, and can also be flavored with different fruits or nuts.
When choosing a scone to serve as a side dish for tea, it is important to consider the type of tea being served. For example, a heavier scone might pair well with a robust black tea, while a lighter scone would go well with a delicate green tea.
Scones can be purchased pre-made at many bakeries or supermarkets, or they can be made at home using a variety of recipes.
Wafers
Wafers are an excellent choice of side dish for tea. They are light and delicate, yet have a satisfying crunch. Wafers come in a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory, and they go well with different types of tea, as they provide a crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of most teas.
When choosing wafers to accompany your tea, be sure to select a variety that will complement the flavor of the tea you are serving. For example, if you are serving light and refreshing green tea, try pairing it with a lemon or almond-flavored wafer. If you are serving a bold and robust black tea, pair it with a chocolate or vanilla wafer.
Wafers are also easy to break, making them perfect for sharing with friends. Overall, they are the perfect way to add a little something extra to your next tea party.
Cakes
Cakes are versatile desserts that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They come in a variety of flavors, from chocolate to fruit cake, and can be iced or left plain. Cakes can also be flavored with spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
While cakes are often served as a dessert, they can also make an excellent side dish for tea. Pound cake, in particular, pairs well with tea because of its dense texture and rich flavor.
Cakes can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, or on their own as a snack. Whatever way you choose to enjoy them, cakes are sure to add a touch of sweetness to your day.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a popular choice for afternoon or high tea, as they are convenient to eat and come in a variety of different types.
For example, you could create an English cucumber sandwich by spreading cream cheese onto slices of white bread, topping with thin cucumber slices, and then adding a sprinkle of dill. Or, you could make a classic PB&J sandwich using whole wheat bread, peanut butter, and your favorite type of jelly.
Sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. Plus, they’re easy to eat without making a mess – perfect for when you’re enjoying a cup of tea!
Shortbread
Shortbread is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with tea. It is made with butter, sugar, and flour, and can be topped with different ingredients or dusted with sugar.
The subtle sweetness of shortbread complements the flavors of tea, and the buttery texture melts in your mouth. Shortbread is a classic tea-time treat that is sure to please any palate.
Iced buns
Iced buns are a small, easy-to-eat snack that goes well as a side dish for tea. They are typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk, often filled with chocolate or other sweet fillings and covered with icing.
Iced buns are a popular breakfast food in many parts of the world, and are often served with tea or coffee. They are a good side dish for tea because they are small and easy to eat, and they provide a sweet or rich flavor that can complement the savory flavors of many teas.
Iced buns can be made at home or purchased at most bakeries. They are often served warm, but they can also be served cold.
Earl grey teacakes
Earl grey teacakes are a simple option that can go well as a side dish for tea. They are easy to make and only require a few ingredients, Earl grey tea being the key ingredient.
The Earl Grey tea gives the cakes a nice flavor and they are also moist. The flavor is subtle and not overpowering, making it a good choice for those who are not fans of Earl Grey tea.
The teacakes are moist and have a light, fluffy texture. They can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or jam.
Plus, they pair well with other savory dishes such as sandwiches, quiche, or soup. They are also a good option for dessert if you are looking for something light and not too sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not eat with tea?
You should not eat dairy products with tea because they can interfere with the absorption of the tea’s antioxidants.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can inhibit the absorption of tea’s antioxidants. This means that you may not get all of the benefits from drinking tea if you are also consuming dairy products.
What should you serve with morning tea?
There are many different things that you can serve with morning tea. Some popular options include toast, muffins, scones, and biscuits. You can also serve fruit or jam, eggs, bacon or sausage, or cereal.
What are some different kinds of teas and when are they served?
There are many different kinds of tea and they can be enjoyed at different times of the day.
Black tea is typically served in the morning with breakfast, while green tea is often enjoyed in the afternoon or evening. Herbal teas can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Plus, there are a variety of different flavors and blends of tea that you can choose from. Some popular flavors include Earl Grey, Jasmine, and Chamomile.
Conclusion
Tea is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed with many different types of food at any time of day, and there are many different flavors to choose from.
Whether you are looking for a classic tea-time treat or something new to try, there is sure to be a side dish that pairs well with your favorite cup of tea. The options range from sweet and savory to light and filling.
So, next time you are wondering what to serve with your tea, be sure to try one of these options.