If you adore light, refreshing bites that feel both elegant and comforting, then this Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Picture soft white bread layered with a luscious, fresh spread of cream cheese, finely grated cucumber, a hint of onion, and fragrant dill—all mixed to a dreamy, creamy perfection. It’s a Southern classic that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s utterly delightful, perfect for afternoon tea, showers, or any occasion when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients that combine to create a spread bursting with fresh, creamy, and subtly herbaceous flavors. Each component plays a role—from the crunchy coolness of the cucumber to the rich smoothness of the cream cheese—resulting in a perfect balance in every bite.
- English cucumber: Peeled, seeded, and finely grated for that classic crisp, watery crunch without excess moisture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides the creamy, tangy base that binds all the flavors together beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds extra richness and silkiness to the spread.
- Finely grated onion (2 tablespoons): Introduces a gentle, savory bite that lifts the overall flavor.
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley (1 tablespoon): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that ties the sandwich together.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors at play.
- White or black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds just enough subtle spice.
- Green food coloring (1–2 drops, optional): For a traditional, visually appealing pale green tint.
- Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (16 slices): The perfect tender vessel for the spread.
- Optional thin cucumber slices: Pretty garnishes that echo the fresh cucumber inside.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by peeling and seeding your English cucumber to avoid any bitterness or sogginess. Then finely grate it before wrapping the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly to extract as much liquid as possible—this step ensures your spread stays creamy rather than watery.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add the mayonnaise, grated onion, chopped dill or parsley, salt, and pepper. If you want that lovely pale green color traditional to Benedictine, stir in a drop or two of green food coloring now. Combine everything well to create a luscious base.
Step 3: Combine with Cucumber and Chill
Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, fold in the well-drained grated cucumber. Stir gently until your spread is creamy and evenly blended. Pop the bowl into the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors marry beautifully and the texture firm up for easy spreading.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the cucumber Benedictine mixture onto half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining slices to create sandwiches. For that quintessential tea sandwich look, trim the crusts carefully and cut each sandwich into halves or quarters. Optionally, add a thin cucumber slice or a sprig of fresh herb on top to garnish.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate these sandwiches effortlessly. A thin, crisp cucumber slice or a small sprig of fresh dill or parsley not only adds visual charm but also hints at the fresh flavors inside. Lightly pressing these garnishes onto the top sandwiches just before serving gives a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or delicate finger foods such as savory scones or mini quiches. Since the sandwiches are so fresh and creamy, sides that add a little contrast in texture or flavor really complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider arranging these cucumber Benedictine tea sandwiches on an elegant tiered serving tray with edible flowers or colorful herbs scattered around for a charming presentation. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches into fun forms like circles or hearts, which adds whimsy to afternoon tea or bridal showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sandwiches are best stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Keep them in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out. They should be eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing these sandwiches is not recommended because the cucumber’s high water content can cause the bread to become soggy and the creamy spread to separate upon thawing. For the best results, enjoy them fresh or stored briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
Since Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe relies on fresh, cold textures, reheating is not advised. They are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, which keeps the delicate cream cheese and cucumber perfectly refreshing.
FAQs
Can I make the cucumber mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the spread a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches.
What type of bread works best?
Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread is preferred for the traditional soft, tender texture of these sandwiches. Avoid breads that are too dense or crusty to keep that classic tea sandwich feel.
Can I use other herbs besides dill or parsley?
Yes! Fresh tarragon or chives can also add interesting and complementary flavors, but dill and parsley are the most traditional and refreshing choices.
Is it necessary to peel and seed the cucumber?
Peeling and seeding the cucumber helps avoid bitterness and excess moisture, which could make the sandwich soggy. These steps ensure the spread is light and creamy with just the right texture.
Can these sandwiches be made vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives, and make sure to check the bread is vegan-friendly. The result will be deliciously creamy and just as refreshing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe that makes it such a beloved classic. Its simplicity, fresh flavors, and beautiful presentation make it a standout snack or appetizer when you want to impress without stress. I hope you give these delightful little sandwiches a try—they might just become your go-to for your next gathering or quiet afternoon treat.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches (16 halves or 32 quarters) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a classic Southern appetizer perfect for afternoon tea, showers, or light luncheons. These refreshing sandwiches feature a smooth cream cheese and cucumber spread infused with fresh herbs and a hint of onion, layered between soft white or whole wheat bread slices. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they offer an elegant presentation ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
Spread Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely grated)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional, for traditional look)
Sandwich Ingredients
- 16 slices soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread
- Optional: thin cucumber slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Mix the Spread: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add mayonnaise, grated onion, chopped dill or parsley, salt, pepper, and green food coloring if using. Stir in the drained cucumber and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Chill the Spread: Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices. Top each with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Trim and Cut: Trim off the crusts for a classic tea sandwich look. Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with thin cucumber slices or fresh herbs if desired. Serve the sandwiches chilled to enjoy their fresh flavor.
Notes
- These sandwiches are ideal for afternoon tea, bridal or baby showers, and light luncheons.
- For best texture, prepare the spread up to a day ahead and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
- Removing excess cucumber liquid is important to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- Use green food coloring sparingly for a traditional benedictine green hue or omit it for a natural appearance.
