Description
A quick and easy Southern-inspired creamy cucumber spread made with cream cheese, fresh dill, and a hint of onion, perfect for Derby parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium cucumber (about 7 oz), peeled, seeded, and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill weed, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and finely grate the cucumber. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel and press or squeeze gently to remove excess moisture.
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, chopped fresh dill, onion powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add mayonnaise if using. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Fold the drained grated cucumber into the cream cheese mixture gently, keeping some texture and crunch.
- Cover and refrigerate the spread for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and the spread thicken.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
Notes
Drain the grated cucumber well to avoid a watery spread. Use fresh dill for best flavor. The spread benefits from chilling at least 1 hour but can be made up to 2 days ahead. Optional mayonnaise adds extra smoothness. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Benedictine spread, cucumber spread, creamy appetizer, Southern appetizer, easy party appetizer, Derby party food