5 days ago
The Retro Appetizer Our Readers Still Can't Stop Making In 2025
It really is the little things in life. And by little things, we mean the handheld, bite-sized bites waiting for you at the kitchen counter when you arrive at the party. From pontoon dip to pulled pork sliders, we've cranked out plenty of new appetizers in 2025. But one thing about our readers: 'in with the new' never means 'out with the old.' Some of our most popular recipes are the ones that have been around the longest. And one, named oh-so appropriately, keeps finding its way back to the top of the list. This year, make room on the table for Cheese Dreams.
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What Are Cheese Dreams?
Cheese dreams are pillowy bites of bread slathered in butter, topped with a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese, and toasted to golden, crispy perfection. You can think of them as an open-faced grilled cheese or a twist on the classic Southern cheese straw. And just like the cheese straw, cheese dreams have endless variations. Many of our readers grew up enjoying and making their own versions of this classic Southern dish, and the recipe is just as flexible as it is flavorful.
Cheese Dream Ingredients
In our recipe, we use freshly grated sharp Cheddar to achieve that indulgently cheesy flavor, but don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Cheddar (an aged white Cheddar would work wonders here). The flavor of our cheese mixture is further elevated by a touch of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and ground red pepper. Everything comes together with the use of white bread, cut into attractive bite-sized sandwich squares. They're the perfect starter for any gathering. Whip up a batch and pair them with one of our favorite party drinks for a minimal-effort Lose A Recipe Again
With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize all of your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one Reviewers Are Saying
When our recipes take off, we have our readers to thank. Here is what home cooks had to say about this nostalgic appetizer:
'I made these for my first catering gig, and they flew off the trays! I used tramezzini bread and buttered each whole piece before stacking and cutting into smaller pieces. I served them with a chipotle scallion crema, but they would have gone in an instant despite this. It just made them slightly more decadent.'
'I made these as an addition to a small bites table for my daughter's high school graduation. By far, this was the most requested recipe! Such a surprise as it was the simplest dish to make of them all! Very delicate and moist, not to mention easy! I will definitely make these again in a pinch!'
'I love this recipe! When I have a free evening, I'll make a batch or two of cheese dreams to freeze. I just pop them in the oven while I'm mixing up drinks for company.'
Read the original article on Southern Living
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