PrintClassic Benedictine Sandwiches: A Kentucky Tea Party Staple
Make the iconic, pale green Benedictine spread for elegant tea parties or brunch spreads. This recipe delivers the traditional creamy texture and fresh cucumber flavor without making your bread soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 2 hr 20 min
- Yield: About 12 small sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely grated cucumber, pressed dry
- 1/4 cup finely minced onion (white or yellow)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives (for color and flavor)
- White bread, crusts removed
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber using the fine side of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels and press firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. This step is key to preventing soggy sandwiches.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pressed cucumber, minced onion, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and mayonnaise (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Add color: Stir in the chopped parsley or chives. The herbs help achieve the signature pale green color. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill the spread: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the benedictine spread recipe for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread a thin, even layer of the chilled spread on one slice of crustless white bread. Top with a second slice of bread.
- Cut and serve: Trim the edges if desired, then cut the sandwiches into small triangles or fingers. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- To get the palest green color, use only the parsley and skip the chives.
- For the best texture, use high-quality, full-fat cream cheese.
- If you are making these ahead of time, assemble the sandwiches no more than 2 hours before serving and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sandwiches
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 45