Benedictine Spread- this Kentucky sandwich spread made with cream cheese, cucumbers, and dill is a light and refreshing treat for summer.
What Is Benedictine?
It’s a popular Kentucky recipe dating back to the early 20th century. It was invented by Jennie Benedict. Made with cream cheese, cucumbers, and dill it is a light and tasty recipe for the warmer months and a must for a Kentucky Derby party.
Ingredients Needed
- English Cucumber– you can use a regular cucumber but scrape out and discard the seeds. You will probably need to use 2.
- Onion– either yellow or sweet.
- Cream Cheese– I use full-fat but you can use reduced-fat.
- Sour Cream– mayonnaise can be used instead.
- Fresh Dill– use fresh. Don’t substitute dried.
- Salt and Pepper
- Green Food Coloring– optional but typically used in Benedictine spread.
Make Ahead
This recipe should be made at least 2 hours in advance. Not only will this allow the flavors to develop, it will thicken it up.
How To Serve Benedictine Spread
Can be served either as a sandwich spread, typically on white bread with the crusts cut away, or as a dip with crudites or crackers. This dip should be on the menu of every Kentucky Derby Party. Use a cookie cutter to cut white bread into circles and make little finger sandwiches for a brunch or a tea.
How To Store
Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Do not freeze. The texture will not be good.
Kitchen Tools I Use
- Box Grater– to grate the cucumber.
- Food Processor– to process the dip until smooth.
More Cucumber Recipes
- Pickled Cuucmbers and Onions
- Cucumber Dill Dressing
- Cucumber Coleslaw
- Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
- Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
More Kentucky Derby Recipes
- Hot Brown Casserole
- Mini Hot Brown Tarts
- Derby Pie Bars
- Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Pie
- Kentucky Butter Cake
Benedictine Spread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 English Cucumber
- ¼ yellow or sweet onion
- 16 ounces cream cheese, , softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 drops green food coloring
- salt,, to taste
Instructions
- Grate cucumber on a large box grater, leaving the skin on.Grate onion.Place cucumber and onion in several layers of paper towels and squeeze the water out.
- Place cucumber, onion, cream cheese, sour cream, dill, pepper, and food coloring in a food processor. Process until smooth.
- Check for seasoning and add salt to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks like a perfect spread for sandwiches or crackers! Can’t wait to try it.