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Flavorful Smoked Pimento Cheese Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

smoked pimento cheese benedictine tea sandwiches - featured image

These smoked pimento cheese Benedictine tea sandwiches combine creamy, smoky, and crisp flavors in a simple, elegant recipe perfect for parties or quick snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for pimento cheese)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for pimento cheese)
  • 2 tbsp jarred pimentos, drained and chopped
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce, a few dashes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for Benedictine spread)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for Benedictine spread)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dill weed, finely chopped (or fresh chives)
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
  • Thin cucumber slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the smoked pimento cheese: In a medium bowl, combine shredded smoked cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Make the Benedictine spread: Peel, seed, and finely grate the cucumber. Drain excess moisture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill or chives, and grated cucumber. Season with salt and white pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.
  3. Prepare the bread: Lay out the white sandwich bread slices and cut off the crusts using a sharp serrated knife. Cut each slice into 3 rectangles or triangles as preferred.
  4. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread about 2 tablespoons of smoked pimento cheese on half of the bread pieces. Spread the Benedictine cucumber mixture evenly on the other half. Press matching pieces together to form sandwiches. Optionally, add a thin cucumber slice inside or on top for garnish.
  5. Chill and serve: Wrap sandwiches tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cut into smaller finger-sized pieces if desired.

Notes

Drain grated cucumber well to avoid soggy sandwiches. Use freshly shredded smoked cheddar for best texture. Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth mixing. Serrated knife is best for cutting bread crusts and sandwich shapes. Chill sandwiches at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors and soften bread. Can be made a few hours ahead and stored chilled. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free bread can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked pimento cheese, Benedictine spread, tea sandwiches, party appetizers, smoked cheddar, cucumber sandwiches, easy snacks