Kentucky Derby Benedictine Spread
Creamy, fresh, and simple to prepare, this classic Benedictine spread is made with crisp cucumber, dill, and a hint of onion, all blended into a rich cream cheese and mayo base. It works perfectly as a dip, served with an assortment of vegetables or snack rye bread. Traditionally, however, it was often used as a filling for cucumber sandwiches. Benedictine spread is a beloved, nostalgic appetizer, closely associated with the Kentucky Derby and other iconic Derby Day dishes.
Servings 3 /4 cup
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
Instructions
- 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.
- This version of a traditional Benedictine spread comes from Taste of Home Test Kitchen.
Notes
Variations
Swap in Greek yogurt: For an extra dose of protein and tang, you may switch the mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt.
Add heat: In Ms. Benedict’s traditional Benedictine spread recipe, a dash of cayenne pepper is included to give the dip a little kick.
Brighten it up: While not traditional, a small squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest would pair well with the dill and cucumber flavors in Benedictine spread.enedictine spread should be enjoyed within three days for the best taste and freshness. Keep it refrigerated and stored in an airtight container. Note that the cucumbers will release water as they sit in the spread, so give the dip a stir before serving to marry everything back together again.
Do you need to peel the cucumber for Benedictine spread?
No. While peeling the cucumber for Benedictine spread is traditional, you can choose to leave the skin on the cucumber for some added color and fiber. Just note that the texture of the dip will change slightly with some skin in the game. 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 watery, consider removing the seeds before starting the recipe. Simply slice each cucumbers in half lengthwise and run a spoon down its middle like a spade. A grapefruit spoon works like a charm, but any small spoon will do.
Swap in Greek yogurt: For an extra dose of protein and tang, you may switch the mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt.
Add heat: In Ms. Benedict’s traditional Benedictine spread recipe, a dash of cayenne pepper is included to give the dip a little kick.
Brighten it up: While not traditional, a small squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest would pair well with the dill and cucumber flavors in Benedictine spread.enedictine spread should be enjoyed within three days for the best taste and freshness. Keep it refrigerated and stored in an airtight container. Note that the cucumbers will release water as they sit in the spread, so give the dip a stir before serving to marry everything back together again.
Do you need to peel the cucumber for Benedictine spread?
No. While peeling the cucumber for Benedictine spread is traditional, you can choose to leave the skin on the cucumber for some added color and fiber. Just note that the texture of the dip will change slightly with some skin in the game. 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 watery, consider removing the seeds before starting the recipe. Simply slice each cucumbers in half lengthwise and run a spoon down its middle like a spade. A grapefruit spoon works like a charm, but any small spoon will do.