Benedictine Spread is a cucumber and cream cheese mixture that can be served as a dip or spread on sandwiches and canapes. It's often served at Kentucky Derby parties. Here's how to make Benedictine Spread including our Test Kitchen's secret to achieving the signature green color.

What Is Benedictine Spread?

The original cucumber and cream cheese sandwich spread recipe was created by Kentucky chef and cookbook author, Jennie Carter Benedict, who operated a successful restaurant and tea room in Louisville. You can find Benedict's regional Southern recipes in her beloved Blue Ribbon Cookbook, which was originally published in 1902.

Kentucky Benedictine Dip Ingredients

Some recipes for Benedictine Spread call for green food coloring. Our Test Kitchen chose to color the dip naturally with fresh herbs like dill and chives. If you want more green color, you can add a dash of food dye.

• Cucumber: You'll need one large cucumber for this dip recipe. For the best texture, grate it finely.
• Salt: Sprinkling the grated cucumber with salt and letting it sit helps remove excess moisture and keeps the finished dip from being watery. Once you've mixed up the dip, add more salt to taste.
• Cream Cheese: Let your package of cream cheese soften before adding it to the other ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Choose your favorite sour cream. You can swap in low-fat versions if you prefer.
• Mayo: Just two tablespoons of mayo gives the spread an extra-creamy texture.
• Herbs: A combination of fresh dill and chives flavor the spread and provide the unmistakable green color.

How to Make Benedictine Spread

A food processor makes quick work of this Benedictine Dip recipe. Here's how to make a batch at home.

1. Prep the Cucumbers: After shredding the cucumbers, place them in a fine mesh sieve. Sprinkle them with 1/4 tsp. of salt and let drain.
2. Mix the Spread: In a food processor, add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Add Cucumber: Add the drained cucumber to the processor and pulse until just mixed.

How to Serve Benedictine Cucumber Spread

There are many ways to serve Benedictine Spread. For a Kentucky Derby party, we like to serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, and chips. To make a sandwich, spread 2 Tbsp. each on two pieces of white bread, top one half with 4 to 5 thin slices of cucumber and top with other piece of bread. Cut off crusts and cut into triangles.

How to Store Benedictine Spread

Cover and store the spread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.