Cheese Dreams Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Dreams are delightful little toasted sandwiches loaded with rich, melty sharp Cheddar and a savory cheese mixture. Perfect as a comforting snack or party appetizer, they offer a crispy outside with a creamy, flavorful inside that’s irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf sturdy white sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Trim the crusts off the bread loaf, then cut each slice into 4 equal squares. In a medium bowl, beat the shredded Cheddar and softened butter together on medium speed until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Add the egg to the cheese mixture and beat until blended. Then mix in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and hot sauce if using. Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.
4. Step 4: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture on one side of a bread square. Top it with another bread square to form a sandwich. Spread cheese mixture on the top and sides of the sandwich, leaving the bottom plain, then place it cheese-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bread and cheese mixture, spacing sandwiches about 1 inch apart.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. For make-ahead, fully prepare sandwiches and refrigerate up to one day before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, ideally with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sharp and mild Cheddar for a balanced flavor.
• Try adding finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the cheese mixture for a fresh twist.
• Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a dash of soy sauce for a different umami note.
• If you prefer spicier bites, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mix.
• For gluten-free options, try sturdy gluten-free sandwich bread following the same preparation steps.

Storage

Store any leftover Cheese Dreams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the exterior crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cheese Dreams ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the prepared sandwiches for up to one day before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to accommodate chilled sandwiches.

What can I serve with Cheese Dreams?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice for dipping, but you can also serve them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for variety.

Cheese Dreams Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 sandwiches 1x

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Description

Cheese Dreams are crispy, golden baked cheese sandwiches made with sharp Cheddar and buttery bread. These deliciously cheesy bites are perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, served warm with optional marinara sauce for dipping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf sturdy white sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt, about 1/4 teaspoon plus extra for taste
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Optional Serving

• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bread: Trim the crusts off the bread loaf and cut each slice into four squares to create small sandwich-sized pieces.
3. Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the shredded Cheddar cheese and softened butter using a hand mixer on medium speed until thoroughly combined. Add the egg and beat again until smooth. Incorporate the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and hot sauce if using, and mix until all ingredients are well blended into a creamy cheese mixture.
4. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about one teaspoon of the cheese mixture on one side of a bread square. Place a second bread square on top, forming a small sandwich. Then, spread the cheese mixture on the top and sides of the sandwich, avoiding the bottom to allow it to bake evenly. Place each assembled sandwich cheese-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about one inch apart. This should yield around 36 sandwiches.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the sandwiches for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on top.
6. Optional Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sandwiches fully and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time since the sandwiches will be chilled.
7. Serve: Serve the Cheese Dreams warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping to add a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use sturdy white sandwich bread that holds the filling well without becoming soggy.
• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference or omit it entirely.
• Make ahead by assembling sandwiches a day in advance and refrigerating; add a couple of extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled sandwiches.
• Serve with warm marinara sauce for classic Italian-inspired dipping.
• Try swapping sharp Cheddar with other flavorful cheeses like Gruyère or smoked Gouda for variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheese Dreams, baked cheese sandwiches, Cheddar cheese, appetizer, snack, cheesy bites, marinara dipping sauce