This old-fashioned Benedictine spread is cool, creamy, and made for a Kentucky Derby table. It’s light, refreshing, and one of those quiet recipes that always disappear first.
This deliciously creamy spread is actually pretty simple. It's made from cucumbers, onion, cream cheese, sour cream, and green taco sauce or green salsa. It's a tasty addition to sandwiches or a dip for veggies or crisp crackers.
If you’re building a Derby spread, this belongs right next to the hot browns and a few easy party favorites.
P.S. All these things would be great to serve at a picnic, cookout, or a weekend at the lake!
Benedictine Spread is cool, creamy, and refreshing! It makes a great sandwich spread and is amazing on a crisp cracker like Wheat Thins.
● Peel the cucumbers but leave a bit of green- that tint is part of the charm of this dish- scoop out all the seedy middle part.
● Grate the onion and cucumber- this is super fast and easy in a food processor.
●Remove as much moisture as you can from the cucumbers and onions. There are two ways to do it.
● 1. Sprinkle them with a little salt, and put them in a cloth-lined strainer. Set it over a bowl in the fridge overnight. Discard all the liquid.
●2. Or, if you're impatient like me, you can put the grated veggies in a clean dish towel, then wring and squeeze the heck out of it.
● Beat an eight-ounce block of cream cheese until it is soft and smooth, then stir in the sour cream and La Victoria green taco sauce.
● Once the sour cream and green taco sauce until well blended, stir in the cucumber-onion mixture.
● Add salt and pepper to taste, and chill for at least two hours or overnight to let all the flavors party and get to know each other.
The first time i made it, I was anxious to taste it, so without even letting it chill, I scooped some onto a cracker and tried it.
Oh yeah, this is good stuff. But it was definitely even better the next day when I shared it with my daughter and her husband. 👍👍.
If you’re putting together a fun Derby table, mix a few easy favorites—something savory, something sweet, and a couple of refreshing drinks:
Drinks:
Something sweet:
Here is a Kentucky classic recipe that's over a hundred years old. Cream cheese, cucumber, and onion are the main ingredients! It's perfect as a spread or a dip for your Kentucky Derby party!
I always recommend full fat cream cheese and sour cream for the best falvor.
Yes. The Benedictine spread is actually better after it chills for a few hours, because the cucumber, onion, and cream cheese have time to blend. Make it the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
I usually peel it so the spread stays smooth and pretty, but you can leave some peel on if you like a little color and texture.
Absolutely. It makes wonderful little tea sandwiches, especially on soft white, wheat, or cocktail rye bread. It is also good with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Keep it covered in the refrigerator and use it within about 3 days. Stir it before serving if any moisture settles on top.
Jennie Carter Benedict, a well-known caterer and cookbook author from Louisville, Kentucky, concocted the recipe in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It's well over one hundred years old! How I love a story about a woman entrepreneur! 💖 You go, Jennie!
Ms. Benedict was renowned for her culinary skills and many contributions to Kentucky cuisine. Benedictine spread became one of her signature dishes.
The yummy spread is named after her and has become a beloved part of Kentucky's culinary tradition. It would be perfect to serve at a Kentucky Derby party!
If you enjoyed this recipe, I'd love it if you would leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review or a comment. It really helps other cooks like us find my recipes, because you are exactly the kind of folks I write for!
Love GB (Betty Streff)
Real food. Real kitchen. Real easy.
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