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Fresh Benedictine Spread Tea Sandwiches

fresh Benedictine spread tea sandwiches - featured image

A light, flavorful, and elegant tea sandwich recipe featuring a creamy Benedictine spread made with cream cheese, grated cucumber, and fresh herbs, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese (Philadelphia preferred)
  • 1 cup peeled, seeded, and finely grated cucumber (Kirby cucumber recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons minced green onions (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
  • Butter, softened (optional, for spreading on bread)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • A few drops Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds gently. Finely grate the cucumber using the small holes of a box grater to yield about 1 cup grated.
  2. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible (about 5-7 minutes) to avoid soggy sandwiches.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced green onions, salt, and black pepper. Add optional garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce if desired. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined (about 3 minutes by hand or 1 minute in a food processor).
  4. Lay out the 8 slices of white sandwich bread and remove the crusts carefully with a sharp knife. Optionally, spread a thin layer of softened butter on each slice to add richness and prevent sogginess.
  5. Evenly spread the Benedictine mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top each with another slice to form sandwiches. Press down gently to adhere the layers.
  6. Cut each sandwich into 3 rectangles or 4 triangles using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap to keep fresh for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Squeeze out all excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent soggy sandwiches. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Spread butter on bread slices to create a moisture barrier. Assemble sandwiches close to serving time and slice just before serving for neat edges. Variations include swapping dill for tarragon or basil, adding avocado or smoked salmon, and using gluten-free or vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Benedictine spread, tea sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, cream cheese spread, elegant appetizers, easy tea sandwiches