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Cheese dreams garnished with dried thyme on a cutting board with a jar of pepper jelly.
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Cheese Dreams

These crispy, cheesy Southern Cheese Dreams are an easy make-ahead appetizer made with cheddar cheese and white bread, then baked until golden.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Southern
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings 32 pieces
Calories 580kcal
Author Lisa Bynum

Ingredients

  • 16 slices white sandwich bread
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Smoked paprika, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh chives, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Cut the crusts from the bread slices.
  • Place the bread in the freezer for about two hours. Freezing firms up the bread, which helps prevent tearing and makes the sandwiches easier to cut later.
  • Cream the butter, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
  • Beat in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper.
  • Remove the bread from the freezer. Spread two tablespoons of the cheese mixture over eight of the bread slices.
  • Top with the remaining eight bread slices.
  • Spread a light coating of the cheese mixture over the top and sides of each sandwich.
  • Cut each sandwich into four squares. Spread additional cheese mixture over the freshly cut sides.
  • Arrange the Cheese Dreams about 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Freeze for one hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Bake the Cheese Dreams directly from frozen for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Garnish with smoked paprika and chopped chives, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Bread: Soft white sandwich bread works best. Freezing the bread for about two hours makes it easier to trim, spread, and cut without tearing or squishing.
  • Cheese: For the smoothest cheese mixture and best melting, shred the extra-sharp cheddar from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it blends evenly with the cheeses.
  • Coating: Spread the cheese mixture in a light, even layer over all exposed sides of the sandwiches, including the freshly cut edges.
  • Freezing before baking: Freezing for one hour helps the Cheese Dreams hold their shape and keeps the cheese coating from melting too quickly. If you're short on time, refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes instead and begin checking for doneness after 12–15 minutes.
  • Bake from frozen: There's no need to thaw frozen Cheese Dreams before baking.
  • Make ahead: Assemble and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer container or freezer bag. Store for up to three months and bake directly from frozen.
  • Serving: Cheese Dreams are best served immediately while the exterior is golden and crisp and the cheese inside is warm and melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 4pieces | Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1050IU | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 3mg
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