Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches With Cream Cheese and Cucumbers

As elegant and charming as the Kentucky Derby itself, these Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a delightful blend of cream cheese and cucumber on soft white bread. Perfect for lunches, brunches, a wedding or baby shower, and more, these mini sandwiches are a refreshing addition to any party spread. Make them in just 10 minutes from start to finish.

 

Light and Refreshing Cucumber Sandwiches

This classic cucumber sandwich is the shining star of my annual Kentucky Derby party. The harmonious blend of softened cream cheese and fresh cucumbers is utterly irresistible. Kids and adults adore these mini tea sandwiches as part of an appetizer spread, along side some classic deviled eggs and some fancy looking baked boursin.

My husband was born and raised in Kentucky, so there’s no way we would ever skip this annual event! The Derby is so much more than a horse race, it’s the most anticipated party of the year that’s full of history and pride. And part of that history? This most iconic of finger sandwiches.

The Benedictine Sandwich or cucumber sandwich, was invented at the turn of the 20th century by Jennie Carter Benedict, a Louisville, Kentucky chef who opened the famous Benedict’s tea room in 1900. Miss Jennie Benedict is said to have created the original recipe during this time—and it’s been part of the Kentucky lexicon ever since. It’s a local favorite and you can find Benedictine spread sold in grocery stores and restaurants all over Kentucky!

What makes this spread different from cucumber sandwiches is that the cucumber and onion are grated. Other recipes just have sliced cucumbers in the sandwich, but for me, that’s too watery and makes it difficult to eat. For a tea sandwich, you want a sandwich that you can eat with your fingers that won’t make a mess. This is it!

Somehow the combination of these simple ingredients when spread on soft bread, is simply the best. Mix things up and make some of the sandwiches with pimento cheese and some with a classic pineapple cream cheese spread.

When I’m making a batch of cucumber sandwiches for game day or to take to a picnic, I’ll cut them in triangles. But when I want to be a little fancier, I’ll use a small biscuit cutter and make circles with thin slices of cucumbers on top.

All good Kentucky Derby Parties need a few things: a Mint Julep Bar, finger sandwiches, mini pecan tarts and homemade biscuits with country ham. Cucumber sandwiches are such a lovely addition to heavier spreads so take a bite of one in between other Kentucky classics like chocolate walnut Derby pie, creamy Spoon Bread and Hot Browns.

Why You’ll Love Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

• Easy To Make – All you need is a few minutes, cream cheese, grated cucumber, and some fluffy pieces of white bread. Talk about quick and easy!
• Simple, But Elegant –  Even though it is just a few simple ingredients, it calls up vibes of high society, ladies’ luncheons, and bridal showers. This is one of those back-pocket recipes that never fails to impress any, and every, guest.

Ingredients for Delicious Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

• English cucumber  –  Fresh cucumber is key and I prefer the thinner-skinned and more mild flavor of the English cucumber. If using a garden cucumber, try peeling strips fo the peeling off so that you don’t have too much peel in the spread. You may also want to remove the seeds to give it a smoother texture.
  
• Onion  –  One small white or yellow, finely grated. 
  
• Cream cheese  –  Go with your favorite brand of full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture and flavor. 
  
• Mayonnaise  –  Adds a little tang and makes it creamy. 
  
• White sandwich bread  –  You’ll want at least 16 bread slices.
  

Why are Benedictine sandwiches so green? 

It’s not easy being a green spread! Some recipes call for drops of food coloring to play up the fresh look and feel of these little guys, but that’s all up to personal preference. I chose to let the fresh cucumbers add all the color! 

How to Make Cucumber Sandwich Spread 

Step One: Grate the veggies.

Grate the cucumber and onion with the small holes of a box grater. Place cucumber and onion in a colander and press all the liquid out with a rubber spatula. Add to a medium-sized bowl.

Step Two: Mix. 

Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, and salt to the veggies. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, mix all ingredients until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and a smooth consistency.

Step Three: Assemble the sandwich.

Cut the crust off a slice of bread and cut the slice diagonally. Spread the Benedictine on one side and cover with the other forming a triangle. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread. 

You can also use a biscuit cutter and cut into circles.

Step Four: Serve.

These are best served right away. Assemble on your favorite serving tray and let your guests go to town. 

Tips For Southern Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

• The key to the perfect cucumber sandwich is to remove as much excess liquid as possible. You can do this by using a fine mesh strainer and pressing the excess liquid out as described above or you can lightly salt the grated cucumber and onion and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will season the veggies and also pull out any excess moisture. Just drain then add to the cream cheese.
  
• Crunchy and delightful, cucumbers stay cool due to their natural water content and are the perfect treat for hot summer days.
  
• It’s just a fact that everything is cuter in miniature! Not only are these so dainty and easy to eat, but they’re the perfect palate cleanser between heavier bites.

• If you are decorating them with a cucumber slice, make sure it is as thin as possible so that it’s easy to bite into.

What Can I Add To Cucumber Sandwiches?

You can add fresh dill, green onion, and alfalfa sprouts to the mixture or as a layer on the sandwich for added flavor and heft. Stick with fresh herbs and greens to compliment, but not overpower the delicate flavors of the cucumber and cream cheese. 

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.