Classic Creamy Benedictine Spread Tea Sandwiches
A delicate and satisfying tea sandwich featuring a creamy benedictine spread made from cream cheese, finely grated cucumber, and fresh herbs. Perfect for elegant parties and casual gatherings alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium English cucumber, peeled and finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (white and light green parts)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
Instructions
- Peel the English cucumber and grate it finely using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve or wrap it in cheesecloth, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible (about 5 minutes).
- Transfer the drained cucumber to a bowl and stir in ½ teaspoon of salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes to draw out any lingering moisture, then gently squeeze again if needed.
- In a separate bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Fold in the finely chopped green onion, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Gently fold the salted and drained cucumber into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing (1-2 minutes).
- Lay out 12 slices of soft white bread and carefully remove the crusts with a sharp knife (5 minutes).
- Spread a generous layer of the benedictine mixture over each slice of bread. Top with another slice and press gently to adhere (5 minutes).
- Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters, in triangles or rectangles as preferred. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately or cover and chill until ready (2-3 minutes).
Notes
Drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery spread and soggy bread. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep bread fresh. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Variations include adding horseradish, capers, smoked salmon, or swapping dill for tarragon or mint.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: benedictine spread, tea sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, creamy spread, party snacks, easy recipe, classic recipe