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Creamy Derby Benedictine Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Derby Benedictine cucumber tea sandwiches - featured image

Elegant and creamy cucumber tea sandwiches featuring a classic Southern Benedictine spread, perfect for tea parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese (Philadelphia preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and finely grated or thinly sliced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced onion (sweet onion or Vidalia)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices white bread, crusts removed

Instructions

  1. Peel and finely grate or slice the cucumber. Place it in a fine mesh strainer or wrap it in paper towels and press gently to remove excess water (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in lemon juice, minced onion, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Fold in the drained cucumber, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  5. Remove crusts from bread slices. Gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin or hands.
  6. Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture evenly on 4 slices of bread. Top each with another slice to form sandwiches.
  7. Cut each sandwich into 3 or 4 small triangles or finger-sized rectangles using a sharp serrated knife.
  8. Serve immediately or cover with a damp cloth and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from cucumber to prevent soggy bread. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Assemble sandwiches close to serving time. Optionally brush bread with melted butter or olive oil for richer flavor. The Benedictine spread can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; fold in cucumber just before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Derby Benedictine, cucumber tea sandwiches, Southern recipe, tea party, elegant sandwiches, creamy spread, easy appetizer