Cheese Dreams are what happens when white bread gets a glow-up. These vintage Southern party snacks are rich, melty, and ridiculously good with champagne, beer, or root beer floats. Air fryer instructions included.
0 Preheat oven to 375°F.
1 Trim the crusts off the bread and cut each slice into 4 squares.
2 Set aside.
3 Beat cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
4 Beat in heavy cream and next 5 ingredients.
5 Spread 1 teaspoon cheese mixture on half of bread squares.
6 Top each with 1 remaining square.
7 Spread the remaining cheese mixture over top and sides of sandwiches like frosting a cake.
8 Place sandwiches, 1 inch apart, on a baking sheet that's been covered with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
9 Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
10 Lightly dust tops with smoked paprika if desired.
11 Serve hot.
Air Fryer Method
13 Assemble as directed – Trim, schmear, stack, and frost those little sandwich beauties just like the original recipe says.
14 Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes - if your air fryer runs hot, go with 350°F and check at 5 minutes.
15 Place the cheese dreams in the basket in a single layer—don’t crowd 'em or they’ll get cranky and soggy.
16 Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and melty. Keep an eye on them—the air fryer works fast, like a 1950s secretary on speed.
17 Cool slightly, then serve with martinis, mocktails, or a smirk.
