Gather bread, cucumber, butter or cream cheese, salt, and pepper
Wash and thinly slice the cucumber
Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel
Trim the crusts from the bread if desired
Spread butter or cream cheese evenly on one side of each bread slice
Season the cucumber slices lightly with salt and pepper
Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer on half of the bread slices
Top with the remaining bread slices, spread side down
Press gently to secure
Cut into halves, quarters, or small triangles
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving