Kentucky Derby Benedictine Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Classic Southern cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches perfect for elegant brunches or casual 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

# Directions:

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 - If using, lightly butter one side of each bread slice to prevent sogginess.
05 - Spread a generous layer of Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
06 - Gently press sandwiches and trim crusts if needed. Cut each sandwich into quarters forming 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 in just 15 minutes.
  • Light and refreshing, perfect for brunches or elegant gatherings.
  • Traditional Southern recipe honoring Kentucky Derby festivities.
  • Vegetarian friendly and customizable to personal tastes.
02 -
  • Use a fine grater to ensure the cucumber is shredded properly for the smoothest spread.
  • Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly in a clean towel to avoid excess moisture in the sandwiches.
  • If you want the classic green hue, adding a few drops of green food coloring is optional but traditional.
  • Refrigerate the spread and sandwiches before serving to keep flavors fresh and the bread firm.
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