Description
Cheese Dreams are delightful mini grilled cheese sandwich bites made with sharp Cheddar cheese mixed with butter, egg, and spices, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or cozy comfort food, these sandwiches are crispy on the outside and deliciously cheesy inside, served optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich 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
- 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°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread Squares: Trim the crusts off the bread loaf. Cut each slice into 4 equal squares to create smaller sandwich bases.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the finely shredded Cheddar cheese and softened butter using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the egg and beat again until incorporated. Then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and optional hot sauce; continue beating until all ingredients are well blended into a creamy cheese spread.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto one side of a bread square. Top with another bread square to form a sandwich. Spread cheese mixture on the top and sides of the sandwich, leaving the bottom uncoated. Place each sandwich cheese-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about one inch apart. Repeat this process to make around 36 sandwiches.
- Bake: Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on top.
- Optional Make-Ahead: You can fully assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day. When ready to bake, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time since they will be chilled.
- Serve: Serve the Cheese Dreams warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy them as a flavorful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Trimming the crust helps create uniform sandwiches that bake evenly and look neat.
- Using a hand mixer ensures the cheese and butter mixture is creamy and well aerated.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the cheese mixture to suit your preferred level of spiciness or omit it for a milder flavor.
- These sandwiches bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Marinara sauce is optional but adds a delicious tangy contrast to the rich cheese.
- For a crispier texture, use parchment paper and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
