If you’re looking to bring a little Southern charm to your table, let me introduce you to these irresistible Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches. Delicate, creamy, and packed with garden-fresh cucumber flavor, each bite feels like a celebration—whether you’re prepping for a bridal shower, Mother’s Day brunch, or just craving a dainty snack to go with your afternoon tea. These miniature sandwiches offer a cooling crunch wrapped in pillowy bread, all tied together with a classic Benedictine spread that’s as rich in history as it is in taste. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to find any excuse to make Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches part of your repertoire.

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

At first glance, the ingredients for Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches may seem simple, but each one plays a unique part in the final flavor and texture. Freshness is key here, and a few quality staples create a filling so good you’ll want to slather it on everything!

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the spread its velvety, creamy base—room temperature makes blending a breeze.
Cucumber (1 small, peeled, seeded, and finely grated): The real star, offering a subtle crunch and cool, refreshing flavor.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds extra silkiness and helps bind the filling.
Finely grated onion (1 tablespoon): Lends a gentle bite and depth without overpowering the cucumber.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors and brings everything into perfect balance.
White pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth and peppery complexity, letting the other flavors shine through.
Soft white sandwich bread (12 slices, crusts removed): The quintessential base for tea sandwiches—tender and wonderfully absorbent.
Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with cucumber.

How to Make Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber

Start by peeling your cucumber, then remove the seeds with a small spoon. Using the fine side of a box grater, grate the cucumber until you have a lovely, juicy pile. Place it in a fine mesh strainer and press gently with the back of a spoon to eliminate as much excess moisture as possible—this ensures your spread stays nice and creamy, not watery.

Step 2: Mix Up the Benedictine Spread

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, well-drained cucumber, mayonnaise, finely grated onion, salt, and white pepper. Give everything a good mix with a sturdy spatula or hand mixer. The mixture should be smooth, spreadable, and light green—if you want a classic Kentucky touch, add a drop or two of green food coloring for that signature look!

Step 3: Build Your Sandwiches

Lay out half of the bread slices on a clean work surface. Generously spread the Benedictine mixture onto each slice, getting right up to the edges for that beautiful, even layer. Top with the remaining bread slices to create sturdy little sandwiches. Gently press them together so they hold their shape.

Step 4: Trim, Slice, and Garnish

Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the crusts if you haven’t already. Then cut each sandwich into halves or quarters—triangles and rectangles are both welcome! Arrange them on a platter, and for a finishing touch, crown each with a tiny sprig of fresh dill. These cucumber treats are almost too pretty to eat… almost.

How to Serve Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Garnishes

Fresh dill sprigs are a simple yet elegant garnish that brings out the herbaceous notes of the cucumber filling. A tiny sprinkle of finely chopped chives also looks beautiful and adds a mild oniony finish. If you’re feeling festive, edible flowers or thin slices of radish can add a pop of color to your tea sandwich tray.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches pair perfectly with a crisp salad, a bowl of chilled fruit, or a classic Southern sweet tea. At a luncheon or tea party, consider serving them alongside mini quiches, deviled eggs, or delicate petit fours to round out the experience with a variety of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical touch, use cookie cutters to shape your sandwiches into hearts, rounds, or flower shapes—guaranteed to make your guests smile. Stack the sandwiches on tiered trays for a true tea party look, or arrange them on a beautiful wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a more rustic, garden-inspired presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches, layer them in an airtight container with a slightly damp paper towel between the layers to prevent the bread from drying out. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze the Benedictine spread by itself, fully assembled cucumber tea sandwiches don’t hold up well to freezing due to the high moisture content and delicate bread. The filling can be made in advance and frozen in an airtight container for up to a month; simply let it thaw in the fridge before assembling fresh sandwiches.

Reheating

These tea sandwiches are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! If you’ve made the filling ahead of time and it’s been in the fridge, give it a gentle stir to regain its creamy consistency before spreading on fresh bread.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or another type Appetizer, Snack

Absolutely! While soft white sandwich bread is traditional, feel free to use whole wheat, pumpernickel, or your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure it’s soft and fresh for the best mouthfeel and to hold up to the creamy filling.

How far in advance can I prepare Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches?

You can make the Benedictine spread a day ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Assemble the sandwiches up to a few hours ahead of serving, but store them covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep them soft and fresh.

Can I add other herbs or flavors to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped fresh dill, parsley, or even a dash of lemon zest can add a lovely twist to the traditional Benedictine filling. Just add your herbs sparingly so the cucumber remains front and center.

Is it necessary to remove the cucumber seeds?

For the creamiest texture and to avoid excess moisture, it’s best to remove the seeds before grating the cucumber. If you’re using an English cucumber, the seeds are smaller and can be left in, but be sure to drain thoroughly before adding.

What’s the history behind Benedictine sandwiches?

Benedictine spread was originally created by Jennie Benedict, a Louisville, Kentucky caterer and cookbook author, in the early 1900s. It quickly became a staple in Southern tea rooms and is still beloved for Derby parties, elegant lunches, and, of course, as the filling in classic Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for something light, flavorful, and utterly charming, look no further than Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches. They’re a delightful way to sweeten any gathering—from laid-back garden lunches to elegant celebrations. I hope you give this Southern classic a try and that it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your guests with these elegant Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches. Creamy cucumber spread nestled between soft white bread slices, perfect for a tea party or a light snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber Benedictine Spread:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely grated onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Additional:

12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Cucumber Benedictine Spread: Drain excess moisture from grated cucumber. Mix cream cheese, cucumber, mayonnaise, onion, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spread cucumber mixture on bread slices, top with another slice, press lightly, then cut as desired.
Garnish: Add dill sprigs if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.