Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea (Printable Version)

Delicate cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with fresh dill and chives, ideal for elegant Southern-style gatherings.

# What You 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 fresh chives, finely chopped
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 fresh 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 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 as 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 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with no cooking required, ready in just 15 minutes
  • A timeless Southern classic perfect for Derby parties, bridal showers, and afternoon tea
  • Light and refreshing with a cool cucumber flavor balanced by creamy, herbaceous notes
  • Elegant presentation that's ideal for special occasions and casual gatherings alike
  • Make-ahead friendly—the spread can be prepared a day in advance
02 -
  • Use English cucumbers rather than regular cucumbers—they have fewer seeds and less water content
  • A box grater's finest side creates the ideal texture; avoid food processors which can make the mixture watery
  • White pepper keeps the spread's pale green color pristine, while black pepper would create dark specks
  • Freeze the assembled sandwiches for 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner, sharper edges
  • Keep a damp kitchen towel over assembled sandwiches to prevent them from drying out while refrigerated
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