Cheese Dreams
These Cheese Dreams are a warm, savory throwback appetizer that’s loaded with sharp cheddar flavor and just the right kick of spice. Perfect for holidays, parties or a cozy snack anytime — this Southern classic is always a crowd-pleaser.
Quick Snapshot
Ready in: 25 minutes
Servings: 14
Best for: Parties, holidays, brunch spreads
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prep with pantry staples – comes together with simple ingredients.
- Bold, cheesy flavor with a kick – the cheddar and ranch combo is irresistible.
- A retro appetizer that’s making a comeback – these cheesy appetizers are always a crowd favorite – they disappeared in a flash at our house!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheese Dreams
- Sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Butter, softened
- Heavy Cream
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- Ranch seasoning
- Granulated garlic
- Kosher salt
- White sandwich bread slices
Step-by-Step Directions for Cheese Dreams Recipe
- Make the cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, beat shredded sharp white cheddar, softened butter and cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the egg, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Ranch seasoning, granulated garlic, and kosher salt. Beat until well combined.
- Prep the bread. Remove the crusts from the white bread slices and cut each bread slice into four small squares.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto half of bread squares. Top each with another square to make little sandwiches. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the tops and sides of sandwiches for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Bake. Arrange the sandwiches 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy!
My kid loved these so much and suggested we serve them with tomato soup. We can’t wait to give that a try!
Tips & Variations
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for even more heat.
- Swap aged white cheddar for extra sharp yellow cheddar or pepper jack for variation.
- You can prep the cheese spread a day ahead and store it in the fridge — just bring it to room temp before using.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the toaster oven or air fryer.
Cheese Dreams are the kind of comforting, old-school snack that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a savory treat, these cheesy bites are easy to love. This recipe was adapted from a Southern Living classic — and it’s one we’ll be making on repeat.
Tried it? Let me know in the comments and leave a star rating below!
Cheese Dreams
Cheese Dreams are a nostalgic Southern appetizer made with sharp white cheddar, butter, and sandwich bread. Baked until golden and bubbly – the perfect party bite!
Servings: 8
Calories: 342kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar shredded
- 1 cup butter softened (salted or unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat shredded cheddar, softened butter and heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the egg, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Ranch seasoning, granulated garlic, and kosher salt. Beat until well combined.
- Remove the crusts from the white sandwich bread and cut each slice into four small squares.
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto half of the bread squares. Top each with another square to make little sandwiches.
- Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the tops and sides of each sandwich for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Arrange the sandwiches 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven for 3- 4 minutes.
Prepare a day in advance, store in a covered container in the refrigerator, bake before serving, adding a few minutes to baking time.
Nutrition
Serving: 8g | Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 980mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1024IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 0.3mg
More Cheesy Appetizers to Try
- Velveeta Cheese Dip is the all-time favorite queso to serve with chips.
- Cheesy Pickle Bread is a show-stopping appetizer just for pickle lovers!
- Alabama Fire Crackers are one of my favorite make-ahead snacks for every party.