Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea (Printable Version)

Refreshing cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, ideal for elegant Southern brunches and snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Spread

01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled and seeded
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
05 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
06 - 1 tablespoon grated onion
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
09 - 2-3 drops green food coloring, optional

→ Sandwich Assembly

10 - 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, optional

# Directions:

01 - Grate the cucumber using a fine grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to remove excess moisture.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 - Stir in the drained cucumber and mix until well blended. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is uniform throughout.
04 - If using, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread to prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy during assembly and storage.
05 - Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices to form complete sandwiches.
06 - Gently press the sandwiches together and trim any remaining crusts if needed. Cut each sandwich into quarters, creating either rectangular or triangular portions.
07 - Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bright, refreshing flavors from fresh cucumber and herbs embody Southern charm.
  • Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking involved.
  • Perfectly portioned finger sandwiches, ideal for elegant gatherings or casual snacks.
  • Customizable with optional butter spread and green food coloring for visual appeal.
02 -
  • Use a clean kitchen towel to thoroughly drain grated cucumber, keeping the spread from becoming watery.
  • Softened cream cheese makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth spread.
  • Lightly buttering bread slices helps maintain sandwich texture if making ahead.
  • Cut sandwiches into quarters or triangles for traditional tea sandwich shapes.
  • Store assembled sandwiches covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Go Back