Derby Party Benedictine Sandwiches (Print Version)

Creamy cucumber-dill spread with soft breads, ideal for festive and elegant occasions.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How To Make:

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 way more sophisticated than the five minutes it takes to assemble them.
  • You can prep them hours ahead, which means less stress when people actually arrive.
  • They're refreshing without being heavy—perfect for spring gatherings when you don't want anyone feeling stuffed.
02 -
  • The cucumber water is your enemy—I learned this the hard way by skipping the squeeze step, and the sandwiches turned soggy within an hour.
  • Softened cream cheese makes all the difference; even slightly cold cream cheese creates lumps that no amount of stirring will fix.
  • These sandwiches taste best served cold and eaten within a few hours of assembly, so timing matters more than you'd think for something so simple.
03 -
  • Cut your sandwiches with a sharp, clean knife, and wipe the blade between cuts so you don't drag filling and make them look messy.
  • If you want to make these ahead for a crowd, assemble them on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill—they'll stay perfect for hours.
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