Kentucky Derby Benedictine Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Refreshing cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches ideal for elegant Southern brunch occasions.

# 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 for traditional color

→ Sandwich Assembly

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

# Cooking Steps:

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.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper. Mix until smooth.
03 - Stir in the drained cucumber and mix until well blended. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is uniform.
04 - If using, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread to prevent sogginess.
05 - Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
06 - Gently press and trim crusts if needed. Cut each sandwich into quarters using rectangles or triangles.
07 - Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Refreshing cucumber and cream cheese blend offers a cool, creamy texture perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
  • Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
  • A visually appealing green spread adds a traditional Southern touch.
  • Ideal for elegant brunches, Derby parties, or classic afternoon tea.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and light enough for snacks or appetizers.
02 -
  • Use a fine grater for the cucumber to achieve the best texture in the spread.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly to avoid soggy sandwiches.
  • Lightly butter the bread to create a moisture barrier and prolong freshness.
  • Trim crusts neatly and cut sandwiches into elegant quarters or triangles for a refined presentation.
  • Cover sandwiches with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap when refrigerating to maintain moisture.
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