If you love cozy snacks that are bursting with flavor, you’re going to absolutely adore this Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe. I remember the first time I made these – the smell alone filled my kitchen with warmth, and the perfect combo of garlicky butter and salty Parmesan had my family hooked instantly. Whether you’re craving a quick appetizer or a fun side, these bread bites are made to impress and so simple to whip up. Let me show you how!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have these little bites ready in under 30 minutes once the dough is prepped.
- Full of Flavor: That garlic butter mixed with Parmesan brings out rich, savory notes that everyone loves.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids literally beg for these at family dinners or movie night snacks.
- Versatile: They pair perfectly with marinara, olive oil, or even a spicy dip for game day or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a buttery, garlicky, cheesy masterpiece that’s both familiar and exciting. I love using fresh minced garlic and good-quality Parmesan to really bring out the flavors.
- Classic Pizza Dough: I recommend making or buying dough that’s fresh and elastic for the best texture – it rises beautifully.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning perfectly; melting it brings out that inviting aroma.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here – it’s the heart of the garlic butter flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that elevate the garlic butter without overpowering the Parmesan.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch enhances the overall taste and balances the butteriness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated finely so it melts partially and creates a lovely crust on the bites.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for dipping – it’s the perfect tangy contrast.
Variations
I love how flexible this Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe is – you can tweak it to match your cravings or dietary needs without losing any of the deliciousness. Don’t hesitate to experiment while still keeping the core flavors you love.
- Cheese Swaps: Sometimes I swap Parmesan for Asiago or Romano for a sharper kick, and it turns out fantastic.
- Herb Play: If you’re feeling fresh herbs, sprinkling chopped rosemary or thyme on top before baking adds an amazing aroma.
- Diet-Friendly: Using a gluten-free dough works well if you need a gluten-free option, just watch baking time as it can vary.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle heat that wakes up your palate.
How to Make Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Let It Rise
If your pizza dough has been chilling in the fridge, make sure you take it out about an hour before starting – I’ve learned this step is crucial to get it soft and easy to handle. Once it’s ready, divide your dough into four and roll each piece into a 10-inch rope. Slice each rope into 10 roughly one-inch bites and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and give them about 30 minutes to puff up – this little rise makes a big difference because it keeps the bites fluffy and tender after baking.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Magic
Melt your butter gently – I usually zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but watch closely so it doesn’t brown. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, and mix it all together. This garlic butter is what you’ll brush generously on the bites before and after baking for maximum flavor. Side note: spreading this in two rounds ensures the Parmesan sticks nicely and the flavors layer beautifully.
Step 3: Bake Just Right
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease your rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the dough bites so they have a little breathing room and brush the tops with half of your garlic butter mixture. Pop them in for 15 minutes – they should turn lightly golden but still be soft. Overbaking is a rookie mistake I’ve made before, and trust me, it turns these from dreamy to tough. After baking, brush the remaining garlic butter on half the bites and sprinkle with Parmesan; then repeat with the remaining bites. This double brushing trick keeps the cheese in place and the bites extra moist.
Serve them warm with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch everyone dig in happily.
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Room Temp Dough: Don’t skip letting your dough warm up; it rolls and rises much better.
- Two-Step Butter Brush: Brushing before and after baking helps lock in flavor and ensures the cheese sticks nicely.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the bites between 12-15 minutes – even a minute too long changes the texture.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Avoid pre-grated powder; fresh grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
How to Serve Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving – it brightens the dish and makes it pop visually. Sometimes, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice contrast too.
Side Dishes
Pair these Parmesan Bread Bites with a fresh Caesar salad or a hearty tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal. They also work perfectly alongside pasta dishes or as a snack during game nights with your favorite dips.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging these bites in a circle around a little bowl of warm marinara, making it super easy for guests to grab and dip. Another fun idea is serving them in a decorative basket lined with a colorful napkin – it just adds that extra inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I like to layer parchment paper between bites if stacking.
Freezing
You can freeze these bread bites before baking. I portion them on a sheet, flash freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When you want to enjoy, bake directly from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a game-changer for meal prep!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the bites in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked crispness. Microwaving makes them soft and a bit chewy, which I usually avoid if I want them tasting their best.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly here. Just make sure to let it rest at room temperature for about an hour before shaping so it becomes pliable and easier to work with.
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Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing on the dough to make spreading easier.
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What’s the best way to prevent the bread bites from getting too hard?
Keeping an eye on the baking time is key. Stop baking as soon as they turn lightly golden and remain soft to the touch. Overbaking dries them out, so err on the side of slightly underdone.
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Can I add other cheeses besides Parmesan?
Definitely! While Parmesan gives a fantastic flavor, mixing in mozzarella or Asiago can add melty, gooey texture and a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy and always gets rave reviews. There’s something about warm, cheesy bites with that garlicky punch that brings people together around the table. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do. So, go ahead, grab your dough, and make these irresistible bites tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 40 bread bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Parmesan Bread Bites are irresistible little pieces of soft, garlicky dough brushed with herb-infused butter and sprinkled with sharp Parmesan cheese. Perfectly golden and fluffy, they’re a fantastic appetizer or snack when served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ⅓ recipe of Classic Pizza Dough
For the Garlic Butter
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, heaping
For the Topping and Serving
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature in its bag for one hour to take off the chill, which helps with easier rolling and better rising.
- Shape the Bread Bites: On parchment paper, divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll one piece into a 10-inch rope, then cut it into 10 one-inch pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Repeat this for all four pieces, arranging the small dough bites evenly on a rimmed baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and ensure the baking sheet is generously sprayed to prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter: Melt butter in the microwave until just melted. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Brush Before Baking: Brush half of the garlic butter mixture onto the tops of the risen dough bites to infuse them with flavor before baking.
- Bake Bread Bites: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. They should appear very lightly golden—avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender instead of hard.
- Add Final Touches: Remove from the oven and immediately brush half the bites with half the remaining garlic butter, then sprinkle grated Parmesan while the butter is still wet to ensure it sticks. Repeat with the remaining bites using the rest of the butter and cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy the Parmesan Bread Bites warm, served alongside marinara sauce or olive oil for dipping.
Notes
- Using fresh pizza dough helps achieve the best texture, but store-bought dough can substitute if necessary.
- Do not overbake the bites as they can become too hard; lightly golden is ideal.
- The garlic butter can be adjusted in seasoning to taste, adding more garlic or herbs if preferred.
- These bites are best served immediately for optimal softness but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bread bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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