In other places, Benedictine might be known for being the French herbal liqueur used in cocktails or possibly confused for being the first name of English actor Benedict Cumberbatch — afterall it is only one letter off — but in these parts, we know it lovingly as a bright green cucumber spread invented right here in the 502.
Most Louisvillians know the sophisticated history of this tea sandwich filling turned modern deli favorite and that it’s a Derby party mainstay for dipping + spreading.
Reader Mary K. said, “I remember growing up anytime you had a shower or a ladies lunch, Bendictine was always a staple.”
But just in case you need to refresh your memory, here are four quick facts to whip out next time you need to school someone in Benedictine history.
- It was invented by Louisville restaurateur + cookbook author Jennie Carter Benedict — who is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery — in the early 20th century.
- Jennie created the spread to serve during tea service at her restaurant, Benedict’s Restaurant, formerly at 554 S. 4th St. — near The Louisville Palace.
- Originally, just the juice from the onion and cucumber were used in the recipe, but modern takes and family recipes now include grated veggies + green food coloring to distinguish it from regular cream cheese.
- It’s rare to find Benedictine outside of Kentucky, but it has made national appearances in the Food Network’s “50 States 50 Sandwiches” + on PopSugar food programs.
Once you’ve spread a little local history, recommend these 10+ local spots to try and buy it.
Where to buy it
Morris Deli, 2228 Taylorsville Rd.
Grab the spread by the half-pound for $5.59 at this made-to-order deli where your sandwich is priced by weight.
Lotsa Pasta, 3717 Lexington Rd.
Made with fresh dill and green food coloring, snag this popular version for $7.99 or try it on a sammie at the deli.
Harvey’s Cheese, Inside Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan St.
Pick up a tub of this non-traditional version made with local goat cheese for $7.99.
Paul’s Fruit Market, Various locations
With four locations in Derby City, we’ll never have to worry about a Benedicitne shortage at Paul’s where you can buy it by the pound for $11.99.
Where to try it
The Café, 711 Brent St.
This Paristown cafe uses its homemade Benedictine on The Queen Anne sandwich made with artisan walnut wheat bread, bacon, sliced cucumbers + lettuce.
Toasty’s Tavern, 158 S. Shelby St.
Roll over Beethoven — Toasty’s Benedictine Cheese Ball is here to disrupt the classic spread. It’s made with white cheddar and cucumber + served with toast points and quick pickles.
Stevens & Stevens, 1114 Bardstown Rd.
Take a bite out of the delicatessen’s Me Turkey You Jane sando layered with turkey, benedictine, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on wheat bread.
Bonus: Try five more Benedictine sandwiches here:
- Gracious Plenty, 9207 US Hwy. 42, Prospect, KY
- Plehn’s Bakery, 3940 Shelbyville Rd.
- Kayrouz Cafe, 3801 Willis Ave.
- Shady Lane Cafe, 4806 Brownsboro Center
- Irish Rover, 2319 Frankfort Ave.
Mix up a batch of your own using Jennie Benedict’s recipe from GotoLouisville.com.
- 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoons cucumber juice
- 1 tablespoon onion juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A few grains of cayenne pepper
- 2 drops green food coloring
To get the cucumber juice, peel and grate a cucumber. Then wrap with a clean dish towel and squeeze juice into a dish. Discard pulp. Do the same for the onion. Mix all ingredients with a fork until well blended. Using a blender will make the spread too runny. Serve as a dip or a sandwich filling.
