Kentucky Derby Benedictine Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Southern-style sandwiches with creamy cucumber spread and fresh herbs for perfect brunch or afternoon snacks.

# 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 grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper. Mix until smooth.
03 - Stir in drained cucumber and mix until well blended. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until color is uniform.
04 - Lightly butter one side of each bread slice if using, to prevent sogginess.
05 - Spread generous layer of Benedictine mixture on half of 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 using rectangles or triangles.
07 - Arrange on platter and serve immediately, or cover with damp paper towel and plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste light and sophisticated while requiring almost no actual cooking, just good hands and fresh ingredients.
  • The crowd always asks for the recipe, which means you get to feel slightly mysterious about a cream cheese mixture.
  • You can make the spread the night before and assemble the sandwiches thirty minutes before guests arrive, leaving you remarkably calm.
02 -
  • The cucumber liquid situation is not negotiable—underdrained cucumbers will turn your elegant tea sandwiches into a bread pudding situation, and not the good kind.
  • Room temperature cream cheese is the difference between a smooth spread and a lumpy frustration, so plan ahead or soften it gently over warm water.
03 -
  • A sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion will cut your sandwiches without squishing them, which is the difference between looking intentional and looking hurried.
  • If you're taking these somewhere, pack the uncut sandwiches wrapped in parchment and cut them just before serving to preserve their dignity and crispness.
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