Cheesy Baked Sandwich Squares Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Dreams are irresistible little cheese-filled bites perfect for snacking or sharing. These golden, savory sandwiches combine sharp Cheddar and rich butter for a flavor-packed treat that’s easy to make and sure to please every cheese lover.

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf sturdy white sandwich bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt (about ¼ teaspoon)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: Trim the crusts off the bread and cut each slice into 4 equal squares. In a medium bowl, beat together the shredded Cheddar and softened butter on medium speed until well combined. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and hot sauce if using. Beat until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture on one side of a bread square. Top it with a second square to create a small sandwich. Spread the cheese mixture on the top and sides of this sandwich (avoid the bottom side), then place it cheese-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all bread and cheese mixture are used, spacing sandwiches about 1 inch apart. You should end up with about 36 sandwiches.
5. Step 5: Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are golden brown and bubbly. For make-ahead, prepare the sandwiches fully then refrigerate for up to one day. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, ideally with marinara sauce for dipping to complement the rich cheesy flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar for a stronger flavor, or try a mix of Cheddar and Gruyère for a deeper, nuttier taste.
• For a spicy twist, increase hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature to blend smoothly with the cheese.
• Experiment with different breads like sourdough or rustic white for varied texture and flavor.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread slices cut into squares.

Storage

Store any leftover Cheese Dreams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cheese Dreams?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little vinegar to add umami and tanginess.

Cheesy Baked Sandwich Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 88 reviews

Cheese Dreams are crispy, golden-baked cheese sandwiches perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. Made with sturdy white bread and a flavorful mixture of sharp Cheddar, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, these bite-sized treats bake to a melty, cheesy delight with crispy edges. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for a comforting and irresistible snack.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 36 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• ¼ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste (optional)

For Serving

• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Prepare Bread Squares: Trim the crusts from the bread loaf and cut each slice into 4 equal squares, creating bite-sized pieces perfect for the sandwiches.
3. Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the shredded Cheddar and softened butter together using a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add the egg and continue beating until mixed. Then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and optional hot sauce; beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Assemble Sandwiches: Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto one side of a bread square. Top it with a second bread square to form a small sandwich. Spread the cheese mixture on the top and sides (but not the bottom) of the sandwich to create a cheesy coating. Place the sandwiches cheese-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Repeat until all bread and cheese mixture are used, yielding about 36 sandwiches.
5. Bake: Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on top. If preparing in advance, you can fully assemble them and refrigerate up to one day ahead; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
6. Serve: Serve the Cheese Dreams immediately while hot and melty, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

• Trim crusts carefully to help the cheese mixture adhere better to the bread squares.
• Use sturdy sandwich bread to prevent sogginess and hold the cheese mixture well.
• You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or omitting it.
• Assembled sandwiches can be refrigerated for up to one day before baking.
• Serve with warm marinara sauce for a rich, tangy complement.
• For best results, use freshly shredded sharp Cheddar rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.

Keywords: Cheese Dreams, cheesy snack, baked cheese sandwiches, sharp cheddar recipes, appetizer, Marinara dipping sauce