Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Refreshing The cool cucumber and creamy spread make these sandwiches perfect for warm weather or elegant gatherings.
Easy to Make Simple ingredients come together quickly for a sophisticated result.
Customizable Add herbs, spices, or different vegetables to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild, creamy flavors.
Perfect for Entertaining These dainty sandwiches are ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, or holiday buffets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 12–16 small tea sandwiches
For the Benedictine Spread:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel)
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few drops green food coloring (optional, for a traditional Benedictine hue)
For Assembly:
- 1 loaf white bread (or your choice of bread—whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel work too!)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- Butter, softened (for spreading on bread, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Benedictine Spread
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the grated cucumber, dill, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the classic pale green hue of Benedictine spread. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Using a serrated knife, slice the crusts off the bread slices for a refined, tea sandwich look.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice (optional, for added richness).
- Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture onto half of the bread slices. Top each with a few thin slices of cucumber.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
Cut and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into smaller shapes—triangles, rectangles, or squares—for an elegant presentation.
- Arrange the sandwiches on a platter and garnish with fresh dill sprigs or cucumber slices for a decorative touch.
Why This Recipe Works
Benedictine Magic The creamy, herby spread is the star of the show, offering a refreshing yet indulgent flavor.
Cucumber Crunch Thin slices of cucumber add a crisp, cooling contrast to the rich spread.
Tea Party Perfection The delicate size and refined flavors make these sandwiches ideal for elegant gatherings.
Variations to Try
Add Avocado Spread a thin layer of mashed avocado on the bread before adding the Benedictine spread for extra creaminess.
Spice It Up Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Gluten-Free Option Use gluten-free bread for a GF-friendly version.
Vegan Version Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream for a plant-based twist.
Herb Swap Use chives, parsley, or tarragon instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Success
Dry the Cucumber Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent the spread from becoming watery.
Chill Before Serving Refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for 15–20 minutes before serving to firm them up.
Storage Store unassembled components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Romantic Touch Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for elegance.
Brunch Staple Pair with scones, quiche, or fruit salad for a complete meal.
Party Platter Serve alongside other finger foods like mini quiches, deviled eggs, or fruit skewers for variety.
FAQs
What is Benedictine spread? Benedictine spread is a creamy cucumber and herb-based spread, traditionally made with cream cheese, sour cream, and dill. It was created in Kentucky and is commonly used for tea sandwiches.
Can I make Benedictine spread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the spread up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
What type of bread works best? Soft white bread is traditional, but you can use whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel, or even gluten-free bread depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy? Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber before adding it to the spread. Also, refrigerating the sandwiches before serving helps them stay fresh.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding finely chopped radishes, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a celebration of refreshing, creamy flavors and timeless elegance, offering a dish that feels indulgent yet light. With their delicate presentation, customizable options, and endless charm, they’re a recipe that’s sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a casual snack, or simply craving something satisfying.