Benedictine Spread

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

1-3/4 cups

Updated: Feb. 17, 2023
This version of a traditional Benedictine spread comes from our Test Kitchen. Serve it as an appetizer dip or sandwich filling.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Benedictine Spread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 drop green food coloring, optional
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber, patted dry
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • Optional: Snack rye bread, pita bread wedges and assorted fresh vegetables

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, white pepper, dill and, if desired, food coloring; beat until smooth. Stir in cucumber and onion. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with snack rye bread, pita bread wedges or vegetables as desired.
Benedictine Spread

How do you serve Benedictine spread?

Benedictine spread is delicious as a veggie dip or as a spread for crackers and mini rye breads. But, it can also be the foundation of cucumber tea sandwiches: Just spread a little on a piece of bread (with the crust removed to keep it fancy). Place thinly sliced cucumbers on top of the spread, and top with another piece of crustless bread and voila—cucumber tea sandwiches. No matter how you serve it, consider pairing this classic spread with other Kentucky Derby appetizers like mini hot browns and Kentucky Derby cocktails such as mint juleps.

How can you make Benedictine spread your own?

Some folks add a drop of green food coloring to their Benedictine spread. You can also spice it up a bit with a dash of hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

How can you make sure your Benedictine spread isn't watery?

Our recipe for Benedictine spread is the perfect consistency—but if your cucumbers are extra juicy, consider removing the seeds before starting the recipe. Simply slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, and run a spoon down the middle of the cucumbers like a spade. The seeds and bit of flesh that are removed can be added to a smoothie recipe if you wish.

Can you make Benedictine spread ahead of time?

Benedictine spread can be made one day ahead time, but made any further ahead and it may become runny.
—Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 65 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

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