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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread: Trim the crusts off the bread loaf and cut each slice into four squares to create small sandwich-sized pieces.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
