Description
Cheese Dreams are delightful bite-sized cheddar cheese sandwiches perfectly baked until golden and melty. These savory treats combine sharp Cheddar, buttery goodness, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Serve warm with marinara sauce for a delicious dipping experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf sturdy white sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (8 ounces) salted butter, softened
Binding and Flavoring Mixture
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional)
For Serving
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Bread and Cheese Mixture: Trim the crusts off the white sandwich bread, then cut each slice into four equal squares. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and softened salted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the large egg and beat until incorporated. Next, add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and hot sauce if using. Beat everything together until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cheese mixture onto one side of a bread square. Place a second bread square on top to form a small sandwich. Spread the cheese mixture over the top and sides of the sandwich, avoiding the bottom so it does not stick. Arrange the assembled sandwiches, cheese side up, about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining bread squares and cheese mixture to make approximately 36 sandwiches.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sandwiches until they are golden brown and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. For make-ahead preparation, fully assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time since they will be chilled.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, provide warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping to enhance the cheesy flavors.
Notes
- The cheese mixture can be mixed a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before spreading onto bread.
- Use a sturdy white sandwich bread that can hold the filling without becoming soggy.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level, or omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven for a few minutes.
- For a crispier bottom, place the sandwiches on a wire rack over the baking sheet while baking.
