Creamy Kentucky Benedictine Spread Recipe for Perfect Sandwiches

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the cool, creamy delight of a homemade Kentucky Benedictine spread. The moment the refreshing aroma of cucumbers and the subtle zing of onions hit your senses, you know you’re in for a treat. The first time I whipped up this spread, it was for a family picnic, and I’ll never forget the way everyone’s faces lit up when they took their first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little gem you discovered and want to share with everyone. Honestly, I wish I had known about it sooner—it’s that good!

This spread is pure Southern charm, with its light, velvety texture and fresh, tangy flavor. It’s perfect for slathering on sandwiches, dipping crackers, or even as a topping for burgers. My family couldn’t stop sneaking spoonfuls before we even sat down to eat. I don’t blame them—it’s just that irresistible.

What makes Benedictine so special is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, packing lunch for work, or simply craving a taste of Kentucky tradition, this recipe fits the bill. It’s become a staple for every gathering I host, and you’re going to want to bookmark this one because it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a fast snack.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy items or exotic flavors—just classic staples that you likely have on hand.
• A Southern Classic: Carry on the tradition of this Kentucky favorite, loved for more than a century.
• Versatile: Perfect as a spread for sandwiches, a dip for crackers, or even a topping for grilled proteins.
• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, cucumber, and onion creates a light, refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.

What sets this Benedictine recipe apart is the balance of flavors. The cucumber gives it a crisp, clean bite, while the cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess. A dash of hot sauce and a hint of dill bring everything together in the most satisfying way. It’s not just a spread—it’s a little taste of comfort, perfect for any occasion.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature (use full-fat for the creamiest texture).
• English Cucumber: 1 small or ½ large, peeled, seeded, and finely grated.
• Sweet Onion: 1 tablespoon, grated (Vidalia or any mild onion works best).
• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons for extra creaminess.
• Dill: 1 teaspoon, finely chopped (fresh dill is best, but dried works in a pinch).
• Hot Sauce: ½ teaspoon for a subtle kick (adjust to taste).
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to bring out the flavors.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon for a touch of heat.
• Optional: Drop of green food coloring (for the traditional look).

If you want a lighter option, you can swap out the cream cheese for a lower-fat version or use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. Both will still give you that creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to combine your ingredients.
• Grater: For finely grating your cucumber and onion (a box grater works perfectly).
• Fine Mesh Strainer: To remove excess liquid from the grated cucumber.
• Spatula: For mixing everything together smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: To peel and seed the cucumber.
• Serving Dish: Choose a pretty bowl for presentation, especially for gatherings.

If you don’t have a grater, you can use a food processor with a grating attachment—it’s quicker and works just as well. Just be careful not to over-process the cucumber or onion into a paste.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, then finely grate it using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and press down gently to remove excess liquid. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out the water.
2. Grate the onion: Peel the sweet onion and finely grate it. If you’re sensitive to onion fumes, try chilling the onion in the fridge before grating.
3. Combine the base: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a spatula to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in the grated cucumber and onion, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
5. Season: Sprinkle in the dill, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want to go traditional, add a drop or two of green food coloring and mix until the spread is evenly tinted.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Transfer the spread to a serving dish or use it directly to make sandwiches. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your Benedictine spread turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t skip draining the cucumber: Excess moisture can make the spread too watery. Take the time to remove as much liquid as possible.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and dill make a huge difference in the flavor. Avoid pre-packaged grated vegetables.
• Adjust to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your liking.
• Chill before serving: Letting the spread rest in the fridge helps the flavors blend and enhances the overall taste.
• Keep it smooth: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing—you don’t want any lumps!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to make this Benedictine spread your own? Here are a few fun variations:

• Low-fat version: Swap out regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Herby twist: Add a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy version: Increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Vegan adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise to make a plant-based version.
• Seasonal swap: Try grated zucchini in place of cucumber for a summer garden-inspired twist.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This creamy Kentucky Benedictine spread is best served chilled. Here are some serving and storage tips:

• Serving suggestions: Spread it on soft white bread or croissants for sandwiches, or serve as a dip with crackers, veggie sticks, or pita chips.
• Pairings: It pairs beautifully with iced tea or a light, crisp white wine.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen over time.
• Reheating: No reheating needed! Just give it a stir before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Benedictine spread is not just delicious—it’s packed with wholesome ingredients:

• Calories: Approximately 100 calories per serving (2 tablespoons).
• Protein: Cream cheese provides a small protein boost.
• Low-carb: Great for low-carb diets, especially if paired with vegetables or keto-friendly bread.
• Hydrating: Cucumbers are rich in water and help keep you hydrated.
• Vitamins: Packed with Vitamin K and antioxidants from the cucumber and dill.

Keep in mind that you can tailor the recipe to fit your nutritional needs, such as using low-fat or dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts comforting and versatile, this creamy Kentucky Benedictine spread is it. With its refreshing flavors and silky texture, it’s truly the perfect addition to your sandwich game—or any appetizer platter for that matter!

Creamy Kentucky Benedictine Spread Recipe for Perfect Sandwiches

Print Recipe

A cool, creamy Southern spread made with cucumber, onion, and cream cheese, perfect for sandwiches, dips, or toppings.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 small or ½ large English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
• 1 tablespoon sweet onion, grated
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dill, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Drop of green food coloring

Instructions

1. Peel the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, then finely grate it using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and press down gently to remove excess liquid. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out the water.
2. Peel the sweet onion and finely grate it. If you’re sensitive to onion fumes, try chilling the onion in the fridge before grating.
3. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a spatula to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the grated cucumber and onion, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
5. Sprinkle in the dill, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want to go traditional, add a drop or two of green food coloring and mix until the spread is evenly tinted.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Transfer the spread to a serving dish or use it directly to make sandwiches. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t skip draining the cucumber to avoid a watery spread.’, ‘Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.’, ‘Adjust seasoning to taste.’, ‘Chill the spread before serving to enhance the flavors.’, ‘Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 150
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Carbohydrates: 2
• Protein: 2

Keywords: Kentucky Benedictine, cucumber spread, sandwich spread, Southern recipe, appetizer, dip, cream cheese spread