Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
There is something truly irresistible about a warm, buttery treat fresh from the oven, and that is exactly what the Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe delivers in every bite. This recipe combines the perfect homemade pizza dough with a luscious garlic butter infused with herbs and parmesan cheese, resulting in bite-sized morsels that are utterly addictive. Whether you’re sharing them at a casual gathering or sneaking a few as a cozy snack, these Parmesan bread bites bring comfort and flavor together in a way that’s hard to beat. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite appetizer or snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential—they each bring a unique element that builds layers of flavor, texture, and aroma, making your Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe truly shine.
- Homemade pizza dough: The base of your bites, offering a chewy, airy texture and fresh, customizable flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy layer that carries the garlic and herbs beautifully.
- Minced garlic: For that punch of savory, aromatic flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors perfectly without overwhelming them.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers a wonderful blend of Mediterranean herbs that elevate the garlic butter.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that ties the entire recipe together with its signature flavor.
- Dried or fresh parsley: Brings a fresh herbal brightness and a lovely splash of green to your bites.
How to Make Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by either making your own homemade pizza dough or using a quality store-bought dough if you’re pressed for time. For the best results, let your dough rise until it’s light and fluffy, creating that perfect chewy texture. Don’t rush this step because it’s what sets the foundation for those divine bites.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
While your dough is resting, soften the unsalted butter to room temperature. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley until everything is evenly combined. This fragrant mixture is going to coat every piece, infusing each bite with incredible flavor. If you’re using garlic salt instead of fresh garlic, adjust your salt accordingly!
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once your dough has risen sufficiently, roll it out into a rectangle shape on a lightly floured surface. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously but evenly all over the dough, so every bite sings with flavor. Then sprinkle the parmesan cheese generously on top for that unmistakable cheesy crunch. Cut your dough into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles – perfect for sharing and snacking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your cut dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to puff up as they bake. Bake them in a preheated oven until golden and lightly crisp on the edges. Watching those bites turn golden brown as the butter melts and blends with the cheese and herbs is pure magic!
How to Serve Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, sprinkle a little extra parmesan and a pinch of fresh chopped parsley on top to lift the flavors and make these bites look even more inviting. A light drizzle of a good-quality olive oil or a few crunchy sea salt flakes can also add a delightful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Parmesan Bread Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like marinara sauce, a creamy basil pesto, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. For something heartier, serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup – the perfect combination for a cozy meal or elegant appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the bites on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter, garnishing with fresh herbs and small bowls of your favorite dips. You can also skewer individual bites for easy grab-and-go party snacks that guests will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the texture as fresh as possible. Refrigeration is an option but might slightly dry them out.
Freezing
To enjoy your Parmesan Bread Bites at a later time, freeze the uncooked dough pieces after cutting them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfect texture, as it tends to make the bites soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe?
Yes! While homemade pizza dough makes the best texture and flavor, good-quality store-bought dough works well in a pinch. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I don’t have any?
Grated Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp aged cheddar can work as substitutes, though Parmesan’s unique flavor really makes these bites special.
How long do these Parmesan Bread Bites keep fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh within 1-2 days of baking. Keep them stored in an airtight container to maintain softness, but you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days if needed.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic for the garlic butter?
Fresh garlic is always preferable for the most vibrant flavor, but garlic salt can be a convenient alternative. Just remember to adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding red pepper flakes for some heat, rosemary for its piney aroma, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Final Thoughts
There is a joyful satisfaction in making and sharing something as delicious as this Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe. With its perfect balance of cheesy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors and that wonderful homemade dough texture, it’s a recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet night in, don’t hesitate to give these bites a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
PrintParmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Delicious Parmesan Bread Bites made with homemade pizza dough and infused with a flavorful garlic butter blend seasoned with Italian herbs and parsley. These soft yet slightly crisp bites are perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, offering a delightful combination of buttery garlic, aromatic herbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 30–35 bread bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Homemade Pizza Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt as substitute)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (reduce if using garlic salt)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley)
Topping
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add the olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley until thoroughly combined and fluffy. If using garlic salt, adjust the salt accordingly to avoid oversalting.
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12 x 10 inches and ¼ inch thick.
- Trim and cut: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the rolled dough. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cut the dough into small bite-sized squares, approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches each.
- Bake: Place the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each piece. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow the Parmesan Bread Bites to cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Serve warm as a snack or appetizer, enjoying their garlicky, cheesy, and herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use homemade pizza dough, but store-bought dough can be used in a pinch.
- If using garlic salt instead of fresh garlic, reduce the added salt to prevent oversalting.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Bread flour will give chewier bites, while all-purpose flour yields softer bites.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage; bring to room temperature before use.
- For a fresher herb flavor, use twice the amount of fresh parsley instead of dried parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 bread bites (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Parmesan bread bites, garlic butter bread, homemade pizza dough recipe, Italian appetizer, cheesy bread bites, garlic parmesan snacks
