1950s Cheese Dream Recipe: A Retro Test

“Cheese Dreams”: The Retro Appetizer Making a Comeback This Holiday Season

A beloved staple of Southern gatherings for decades, the “Cheese Dreams” appetizer is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as home cooks seek comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes. With roots stretching back to the 1950s, this simple yet satisfying bite is poised to become the star of your next holiday spread.

A Tradition of Shared Meals & Culinary Roles

For many, the holidays are defined by tradition and shared experiences. One group of friends has cultivated a unique tradition over the past four years, gathering between Thanksgiving and Christmas for a self-proclaimed “Friendsgivingmas” feast. Beyond this annual event, and occasional summer potlucks, finding a time for all ten members to align their schedules proves challenging. This highlights the importance of these dedicated moments for connection and culinary enjoyment.

Within this group, a clear division of labor emerges each year. The pastry chef naturally handles dessert, while the host focuses on the main course. Another couple consistently contributes the soup, and one individual is reliably assigned appetizer or side dish duty. Faced with a desire for something new after years of cheese boards, mezze platters, meatballs, and crostini, a search for inspiration began.

Rediscovering a Southern Classic

The solution arrived in the form of a recipe from Southern Living magazine for “Cheese Dreams,” described as a “legendary” Southern dinner party staple. These bite-sized delights have a rich history, originating in Junior League cookbooks, suburban homes, and social clubs across the South. According to Southern Living, the recipe has deep ties to Nashville, though its appeal now extends far beyond its geographical origins as people relocate and share treasured family recipes.

How to Make Cheese Dreams

The recipe itself is remarkably straightforward:

1. Make the filling: Combine finely-grated sharp Cheddar cheese with softened unsalted butter using a hand mixer. Incorporate heavy cream, an egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
2. Build the bites: Remove crusts from firm white sandwich bread and cut each slice into four squares. Spread the cheese mixture on half of the squares, then top with the remaining bread. Coat the top and sides of each mini sandwich with the remaining cheese mixture.
3. Bake and enjoy: Place the “dreams” on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips for the Perfect Batch

While easy to make, a few key tips can elevate the “Cheese Dreams” experience. One home cook suggests keeping the bread slices whole while applying the cheese mixture, then cutting into quarters afterward – a strategy that streamlines the process significantly.

The recipe is also remarkably flexible. While sharp cheddar is traditional, cooks can experiment with aged Cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby, or Provolone. Using freshly grated cheese is recommended over pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Adding a pickle, a small slice of ham, or a dab of hot pepper jelly to each “dream” offers further customization.

Serving suggestions include pairing the appetizer with dips like Caesar dressing, marinara sauce, or honey mustard. For convenience, the assembled “Cheese Dreams” can be refrigerated overnight or even frozen for up to three weeks, with a slightly adjusted baking time of 25 minutes when baking from frozen.

A “Keeper” Recipe for Modern Gatherings

The verdict is clear: “Cheese Dreams” are a resounding success. “This is definitely a keeper!” one reviewer declared. The recipe’s simplicity and adaptability are major draws, allowing for endless variations in cheese, bread, and seasoning. The finished product offers a flavor profile similar to cheese straws, but with a heartier texture and without the complexities of pastry dough.

The combination of dry mustard, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a balanced flavor profile, offering a welcome kick and savory depth. With its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal, “Cheese Dreams” are poised to become a regular fixture at Friendsgivingmas and countless other gatherings. Employing the streamlined preparation method, the prospect of having a batch readily available – just 25 minutes from oven to table – truly feels like a dream come true.