Save to Pinterest Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a beloved Southern tradition, embodying elegance and refreshment in every bite. These light, creamy cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches bring a touch of sophistication to any brunch or afternoon gathering, making them a staple at Derby parties and tea times alike.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
This recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality with a spread that marries fresh herbs and delicate flavors. The creamy Benedictine mixture layered between soft, crustless white bread makes for a delightful, bite-sized treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Spread
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2–3 drops green food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
- Sandwich Assembly
- 12 slices very fresh white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional, for spreading)
Instructions
- 1. Grate the cucumber using a fine grater.
- Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- 2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper.
- Mix until smooth.
- 3. Stir in the drained cucumber and mix until well blended.
- Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is uniform.
- 4. If using, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread to prevent sogginess.
- 5. Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- 6. Gently press and trim crusts if needed.
- Cut each sandwich into quarters (rectangles or triangles).
- 7. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the spread is not watery, be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the grated cucumber as possible. Using very fresh white bread with the crusts removed creates the perfect texture and appearance for classic tea sandwiches. Lightly buttering the bread slices can help prevent sogginess, especially if making ahead.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute whole wheat or rye bread for a different flavor and texture. For a colorful presentation, add green food coloring to the spread, which is optional but traditional. The spread can also be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, making this recipe convenient for entertaining.
Serviervorschläge
For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish the sandwiches with thin cucumber slices or fresh dill sprigs before serving. Arrange them neatly on a white platter to highlight their classic green and white contrast, perfect for elegant tea parties or Derby-inspired brunches.
Save to Pinterest These Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea Sandwiches bring a touch of Southern charm and timeless elegance to your table. Easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy, they are perfect for celebrating any special occasion or simply indulging in a delicious bite with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best bread to use for these sandwiches?
Fresh white sandwich bread with crusts removed is traditional, but whole wheat or rye can be used for variation.
- → How can I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?
Lightly buttering one side of the bread helps create a moisture barrier, keeping sandwiches fresh longer.
- → Can the cucumber spread be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the spread can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- → What adds the green color to the spread?
Optional drops of green food coloring can be added to give the traditional Benedictine shade.
- → Are there any common allergens in these sandwiches?
They contain dairy from cream cheese and butter, wheat from the bread, and eggs from mayonnaise.
