Grandma's Cheese Dreams

An overhead view of a pan of baked cheese dreams with a golden brown crust.

Cheese Dreams are what happens when white bread gets a glow-up. These vintage Southern party snacks are rich, melty, and ridiculously good with champagne, beer, or root beer floats. Air fryer instructions included.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American - Southern

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 110kcal

Author Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese grated from a block
1 cup butter room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 large egg room temperature
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
16 ounces white sandwich bread slices
Smoked paprika for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Trim the crusts off the bread and cut each slice into 4 squares.
Set aside.
Beat cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
Beat in heavy cream and next 5 ingredients.
Spread 1 teaspoon cheese mixture on half of bread squares.
Top each with 1 remaining square.
Spread the remaining cheese mixture over top and sides of sandwiches like frosting a cake.
Place sandwiches, 1 inch apart, on a baking sheet that's been covered with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Lightly dust tops with smoked paprika if desired.
Serve hot.

Air Fryer Method

Assemble as directed – Trim, schmear, stack, and frost those little sandwich beauties just like the original recipe says.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes - if your air fryer runs hot, go with 350°F and check at 5 minutes.
Place the cheese dreams in the basket in a single layer—don’t crowd 'em or they’ll get cranky and soggy.
Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and melty. Keep an eye on them—the air fryer works fast, like a 1950s secretary on speed.
Cool slightly, then serve with martinis, mocktails, or a smirk.

Notes

Make ahead:

Can be made ahead. Make a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed just before serving.

Or, flash freeze on the baking sheet and place in a freezer container for up to a month. If frozen, put them in the oven straight from the freezer and increase the bake time by 10 minutes.

Storage:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. Pop ‘em in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up leftovers and enjoy again.

Tips:

Use a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
You only need about a teaspoon of the cheese mixture per sandwich. Use a measuring spoon to ensure you have plenty left to go on top.
Make sure you place your cheese dreams on a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Otherwise, they’ll stick to the sheet pan and can burn.
Your cheese dreams are done baking once the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown and crispy.

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