Welcome to my five-part series featuring easy appetizers your guests will love. Because having people over doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen, I’m sharing simple, delicious recipes that make entertaining feel a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
First up is Benedictine Dip, a beloved Southern classic with a story almost as delightful as the recipe itself. With its pretty pale green color and fresh cucumber flavor, this simple spread has been served at Kentucky gatherings for more than a century.
Benedictine was created in Louisville, Kentucky, by Jennie Carter Benedict, a well-known caterer, restaurateur, and cookbook author. The name does not come from Benedictine monks or the liqueur you may be familiar with. It was simply named after its creator, whose recipes and hospitality made her a celebrated figure in Louisville society. You can find all of Miss Jennie’s recipes in The Blue Ribbon Cookbook.
Traditionally made with cream cheese, cucumber, onion, and seasonings, Benedictine was originally served as a sandwich spread, often at luncheons and afternoon teas. Over time, it also became popular as a dip served with crackers or fresh vegetables.
I love recipes like Benedictine because they remind us that good food for gathering doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones guests love most, and this is an easy appetizer to have in your hosting playbook. If you are a gardener, you will like the ease of picking your cucumbers, onions, and dill to truly make this garden-to-table.
Follow along with me on Instagram for the entire five-part Easy Appetizer Series, and be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss any of the recipes. By the end of the series, you’ll have five easy, guest-approved appetizers ready for your next gathering. Be sure to tag @homewithatwist if you make one of the recipes!
Benedictine Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
- 2 TBL red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 TBL fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese until creamy, add other ingredients. Garnish with dill. Serve with fresh vegetables and pita chips.
- Keep stored in the refrigerator.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
