Derby Benedictine Tea Sandwiches (Print)

Creamy cucumber dill spread on soft breads, ideal for elegant gatherings and Derby celebrations.

# Components:

→ Spread

01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
04 - 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

→ Sandwich Assembly

09 - 12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
10 - 12 slices soft wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
11 - Thin cucumber slices for garnish, optional
12 - Fresh dill sprigs for garnish, optional

# Directions:

01 - Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Fold the drained cucumber into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.
04 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread a generous layer of Benedictine mixture on half of the slices. Top with the remaining bread.
05 - Cut sandwiches diagonally or into fingers for traditional tea sandwich presentation.
06 - Garnish with thin cucumber slices and dill sprigs if desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste like you've been making them for years, but they take less time than brewing a proper cup of tea.
  • The creamy-cool cucumber filling is refreshing enough to serve in the heat of Kentucky springtime, elegant enough for your fanciest occasions.
02 -
  • Don't skip the towel-wringing step with that cucumber—I learned this lesson by serving sandwiches that wept soggy tears onto expensive china.
  • Make these no more than four hours ahead or the bread starts to absorb moisture and loses that satisfying soft-but-structured bite that makes them special.
03 -
  • A sharp serrated knife makes cleaner cuts through soft bread than a dull blade trying to saw—your sandwiches will look intentional and beautiful instead of mangled.
  • If you're making a large batch, use a long offset spatula or thin butter knife to spread the mixture in an even layer without tearing the bread underneath.
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