Kentucky-Style Creamy Cucumber Sandwiches
Beat the summer heat with these delightful Kentucky-style creamy cucumber sandwiches, also known as Benedictine Tea Sandwiches. The perfect blend of cool, crisp cucumbers mixed with creamy cheese and aromatic dill creates a refreshing flavor explosion that is perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or afternoon tea. With a hint of sweet onion and the robust taste of garlic, these finger sandwiches are sure to please. Serve them at your next garden party or picnic for a touch of Southern charm!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumbers
2 (peeled & grated)
Salt
1 tablespoon
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sweet onion
1/4-1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh baby dill weed
3 tablespoons (chopped fine)
Garlic clove
1 (minced fine)
Sliced soft white bread
1 loaf
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cucumbers: Place the grated cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes to drain excess moisture.
2
After 20 minutes, press the cucumber mixture to remove as much liquid as possible and pat dry with paper towels.
3
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, finely chopped sweet onion, fresh dill, and minced garlic. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
4
Gently fold the drained cucumber into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
5
Spread a generous layer of the cucumber-cream cheese mixture over slices of soft white bread. Trim the crusts off the edges.
6
Cut the sandwiches into triangles or diamonds. Alternatively, use a sandwich press to seal the edges for a neat finish. If using a press, cut the bread first, then fill and press.
7
If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate to keep the sandwiches fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kentucky-Style Creamy Cucumber Sandwiches?
These are delightful finger sandwiches, also known as Benedictine Tea Sandwiches, that blend cool cucumbers with creamy cheese and herbs.
What is another common name for these sandwiches?
They are frequently referred to as Benedictine Tea Sandwiches.
What type of cucumbers are best for this recipe?
English cucumbers are recommended for their texture and flavor.
Why do you sprinkle salt on the grated cucumbers?
The salt helps to draw out excess moisture so the sandwiches do not become soggy.
How long should the cucumbers sit with salt?
They should sit in a colander for approximately 20 minutes to drain.
What is the process for drying the cucumbers?
After draining, press the cucumber mixture to remove liquid and pat them dry with paper towels.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the filling?
Yes, a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is ideal for blending the ingredients.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese spread?
The spread consists of mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, finely chopped sweet onion, fresh dill, and minced garlic.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures the mixture becomes creamy and well-blended.
How much sweet onion should I use?
The recipe calls for between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of finely chopped sweet onion.
Should I use fresh or dried dill?
Fresh baby dill weed chopped fine is recommended for the best flavor.
How much garlic is added to the recipe?
One minced garlic clove provides a robust taste to the filling.
What type of bread is used for these sandwiches?
Sliced soft white bread is the traditional choice for these tea sandwiches.
Should I remove the bread crusts?
Yes, trimming the crusts off the edges is a standard step for a neat presentation.
Into what shapes can I cut the sandwiches?
They are typically cut into triangles or diamonds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
Are these sandwiches suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, they are perfect for garden parties, picnics, and summer gatherings.
How should I store the sandwiches if not serving immediately?
You should cover and refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Should I peel the English cucumbers?
Yes, the cucumbers should be peeled and grated as part of the preparation.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the filling?
Yes, you can taste the mixture and adjust with more salt if necessary after folding in the cucumbers.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, these sandwiches are a staple of Kentucky-style hospitality and Southern charm.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
What size package of cream cheese is used?
An 8-ounce package of cream cheese is needed.
Can I use a sandwich press?
Yes, you can use a press to seal the edges; just cut the bread first, then fill and press.
What makes these sandwiches refreshing?
The combination of cool cucumbers and aromatic fresh dill creates a refreshing flavor explosion.
How much salt is used for the cucumber preparation?
One tablespoon of salt is used to coat the grated cucumbers during the draining process.
Is this a good recipe for brunch?
Absolutely, they are a perfect addition to any brunch or afternoon tea menu.
How do I ensure the filling is well-blended?
Beat the mayonnaise, cream cheese, onion, dill, and garlic until creamy before adding the cucumbers.
Can I use different types of bread?
While soft white bread is classic, you can use alternatives, though it may change the traditional style.
Why is it important to press the liquid out of the cucumbers?
Removing the liquid prevents the cream cheese spread from becoming too thin and the bread from getting wet.