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Creamy Derby Day Benedictine Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Benedictine cucumber tea sandwiches - featured image

These classic Southern tea sandwiches feature a creamy spread made from cream cheese, cucumbers, and a hint of onion, perfect for parties and Derby Day celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large English cucumber, peeled and grated
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of white pepper
  • 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then press or squeeze firmly to remove excess water.
  2. Finely grate or mince the sweet onion. Optionally rinse grated onion under cold water and dry lightly on paper towels to mellow sharpness.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated onion, drained cucumber, and fresh dill if using. Season with salt and white pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy with cucumber pieces well incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Trim crusts off the white sandwich bread slices. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice to help absorb the spread and make sandwiches easier to bite.
  5. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the Benedictine mixture on each slice of bread. Top with a second slice and press gently to adhere.
  6. Cut sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles. Arrange on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and firm up sandwiches.

Notes

Drain cucumbers thoroughly to avoid soggy bread. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Chill sandwiches before serving to enhance flavor and firmness. Optionally rinse grated onion to mellow sharpness. Can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter spread. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or cucumber rounds. Vegan adaptations possible with plant-based cream cheese and mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: Benedictine, cucumber tea sandwiches, party sandwiches, Derby Day recipe, Southern recipe, creamy spread, tea sandwiches