If you’re searching for a truly delightful and refreshing finger food to impress your friends at your next gathering, look no further than this Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe. These tea sandwiches are a classic Southern favorite that combine smooth, tangy cream cheese with crisp cucumber and fresh dill, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning an afternoon tea, a bridal shower, or simply want an elegant snack, these sandwiches are easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to master this charming dish!

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the creamy base that brings lush texture to the bright cucumber that adds a refreshing crunch, all rounded out by fragrant herbs for a burst of flavor and color.

Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): The smooth, tangy base that gives the spread its luscious creaminess.
Green onions (½ cup, minced): Both the white and green parts add a mild oniony bite and a lovely hint of color.
Cucumber (1 cup, peeled, seeded, shredded): Provides a cool, crisp texture that balances the richness of the cheese.
Dill (4 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh dill imparts a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire sandwich.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of moisture and richness, helping the spread to be perfectly smooth.
Sour cream (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle tang to enrich the flavor without overpowering it.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key to bringing all the ingredients to life.
Good quality white bread: Soft white bread is traditional, but you can choose your favorite bread; just be sure it’s tender for the best mouthfeel.

How to Make Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Cucumber

Start by peeling your cucumber, slicing it lengthwise, and scraping out the seeds. Grate the cucumber with the large holes of your box grater. To avoid soggy sandwiches, place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This step is crucial to draw out excess moisture, which will keep your spread perfect and your sandwiches from becoming watery messes.

Step 2: Remove Excess Liquid

Once drained, press the cucumber inside a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. This simple trick will ensure your Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe has the right texture — moist but never soggy.

Step 3: Chop the Green Onions

Trim the root ends and any wilted bits from the green onions, then mince both the white and green parts finely. The fine cut helps the onions blend seamlessly into the spread, imparting gentle flavor without overwhelming the freshness of the cucumber.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese Until Fluffy

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy, about two minutes. This step is essential for creating that light, airy base your spread needs to be delightful on the bread.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Add the drained cucumber, minced green onions, chopped dill, mayonnaise, and sour cream to the cream cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly until the spread is pale green with flecks of herbs evenly distributed. This mixture is where the magic of flavors happens — creamy, fresh, and just a little tangy.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Add salt and pepper little by little, tasting as you go. The seasoning should enhance the ingredients without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.

Step 7: Chill to Meld the Flavors

Cover the spread tightly and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if preparing ahead. This resting time allows the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and vibrant taste experience.

Step 8: Prepare Your Bread

Pick soft, high-quality white bread for the best texture. Traditionally, the crusts are removed for tea sandwiches; use a sharp knife to carefully trim the edges for a neat, classic appearance.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous amount of the Benedictine on one slice of bread, then top with another slice. Press gently so the filling adheres evenly but the bread remains soft and uncompressed.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut your sandwiches into triangles, fingers, or squares, wiping the blade between cuts for a clean finish. A small sprig of dill on top makes for a lovely, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal.

How to Serve Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprig of fresh dill or a thin cucumber slice elegantly decorates these sandwiches, enhancing their visual charm and giving your guests hints of the vibrant flavors inside.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, a bowl of chilled fruit, or a gentle cup of hot tea. Their lightness makes them ideal when you want something refreshing alongside more substantial offerings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these sandwiches on tiered trays for an authentic tea party vibe, or place them on delicate china plates adorned with edible flowers. You can also wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming picnic presentation that will impress anyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of the Benedictine spread left after making your sandwiches, it keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sandwiches themselves are best eaten the same day for freshness but can be stored wrapped tightly for a few hours without losing quality.

Freezing

This Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe is not ideal for freezing because the texture of the cucumber and bread will suffer. It’s best to prepare fresh as needed for the best experience.

Reheating

Since these sandwiches are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy their fresh, cool taste straight from the fridge or at ambient temperature for maximum crispness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for the sandwiches?

Absolutely! While traditional white bread is classic for Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe, you can use whole wheat, rye, or even small rolls. Just be sure the bread is soft and mild-flavored so it doesn’t overpower the filling.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in the recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, offering similar tanginess and creaminess without changing the texture.

How far in advance can I make the Benedictine spread?

You can prepare the spread up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Chilling the spread allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe even tastier!

Can I add other herbs to the spread?

Yes! While dill is traditional, fresh chives or parsley can add a nice twist. Just keep the amounts light so the core flavor remains cucumber-forward.

How do I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?

The key is in draining the grated cucumber thoroughly and squeezing out any excess moisture. Also, assembling the sandwiches shortly before serving helps keep the bread from becoming wet.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe is a timeless treat that’s as charming as it is delicious. Its bright, fresh flavors and elegant simplicity make it one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again for gatherings or a lovely snack. Give it a try and delight those around you with a taste of Southern tradition that’s easy to prepare and simply unforgettable.

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches Recipe

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4 from 69 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are elegant, refreshing finger sandwiches perfect for afternoon tea or light gatherings. Featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, fresh cucumber, green onions, dill, and a touch of mayonnaise and sour cream, these sandwiches offer a delicate balance of flavors. Served on crustless white bread, they provide a classic and sophisticated bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Spread Ingredients

2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup minced green onions (both onion and greens)
1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and shredded
4 tablespoons chopped dill
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Bread

Good quality white bread (or bread of your choice)

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Instructions

Prepare the cucumber: Peel the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it drain for 15 minutes.
Extract cucumber moisture: After draining, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
Prepare the green onions: Trim the root ends and any wilted green parts from the green onions. Mince them finely, including both the white and green parts, ensuring the pieces are small enough to mix smoothly into the spread.
Mix the base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure there are no lumps.
Combine ingredients: Add the drained cucumber, minced green onions, chopped dill, mayonnaise, and sour cream to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the spread takes on a pale green color with flecks of herbs.
Season to taste: Gradually add salt and pepper, tasting as you go. The spread should be well-seasoned but not overly salty.
Chill the spread: Cover the Benedictine spread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the bread: Choose soft, good-quality white bread. For traditional tea sandwiches, remove the crusts with a sharp knife.
Assemble sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of Benedictine on one slice of bread, then top with another slice. Press gently to adhere.
Cut and serve: Using a sharp knife, cut sandwiches into triangles, fingers, or squares. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices. Garnish with dill sprigs if desired.