Cheese Dreams
Cheese Dreams
Ingredients
For the Cheese Dreams
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional for Serving
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly
- 2 cups tomato soup, warmed
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it is smooth, light, and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Lay out the slices of white bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Top with another slice of bread to form sandwiches. Repeat until all cheese mixture and bread are used.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Place the assembled sandwiches on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off the crusts from all four sides of each sandwich. Then, cut each crustless sandwich into small, even squares, approximately 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch, to create mini grilled cheese bites.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt and sizzle. Once melted, carefully place a single layer of the mini cheese bites into the hot butter, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Cook the cheese bites for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip each bite to cook the other side evenly. Remove the cooked bites from the pan and set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining butter and cheese bites, adding 2 more tablespoons of butter for the second batch.
⏱️ 10 min
- 6
Serve the Cheese Dreams warm. They are delicious plain, or can be served with optional accompaniments such as pepper jelly for dipping, or alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Cheese Dreams
For the Cheese Dreams
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional for Serving
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly
- 2 cups tomato soup, warmed
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it is smooth, light, and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Lay out the slices of white bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Top with another slice of bread to form sandwiches. Repeat until all cheese mixture and bread are used.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Place the assembled sandwiches on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off the crusts from all four sides of each sandwich. Then, cut each crustless sandwich into small, even squares, approximately 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch, to create mini grilled cheese bites.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt and sizzle. Once melted, carefully place a single layer of the mini cheese bites into the hot butter, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Cook the cheese bites for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip each bite to cook the other side evenly. Remove the cooked bites from the pan and set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining butter and cheese bites, adding 2 more tablespoons of butter for the second batch.
⏱️ 10 min - 6
Serve the Cheese Dreams warm. They are delicious plain, or can be served with optional accompaniments such as pepper jelly for dipping, or alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired.
⏱️ 2 min