Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea (Printable)

Refreshing cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, an elegant Southern choice for brunch and gatherings.

# 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 fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon onion, grated
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
09 - 2-3 drops green food coloring, optional

→ Assembly

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Grate the cucumber using a fine grater. Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid thoroughly.
02 - Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth.
03 - Stir drained cucumber into cream cheese mixture until well blended. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until color is uniform.
04 - Lightly butter one side of each bread slice to prevent sogginess, if desired.
05 - Spread generous layer of Benedictine mixture on half the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
06 - Gently press sandwiches together and trim crusts if needed. Cut each sandwich into quarters as rectangles or triangles.
07 - Arrange on platter and serve immediately, or cover with damp paper towel and plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Classic Southern tradition that perfectly suits elegant brunches and tea parties.
  • Refreshing and light with a creamy cucumber spread that’s easy to prepare.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and quick to assemble, requiring no cooking time.
  • Customizable with optional green food coloring for that iconic Derby green hue.
02 -
  • Use a clean kitchen towel or fine mesh strainer to remove as much moisture from the cucumber as possible.
  • Softened cream cheese blends more easily, resulting in a smooth, creamy spread.
  • If you choose to butter the bread, apply a thin layer to just one side to avoid excess greasiness.
  • Cover sandwiches with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap during refrigeration to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.
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