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Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

4.8 from 18 reviews

Parmesan Bread Bites feature a soft, chewy homemade pizza dough brushed with aromatic garlic butter, sprinkled generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection. These savory, bite-sized treats are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, especially when paired with warm marinara dipping sauce. The homemade dough enhances texture and flavor, while the garlic butter and Italian herbs add savory depth, making these bites irresistibly delicious and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Homemade Pizza Dough

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Garlic Butter

  • ¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 tsp garlic salt as a substitute)
  • ¼ tsp salt (adjust if using garlic salt)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley)

Topping and Serving

  • 4 to 6 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Homemade Pizza Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth and spreadable garlic butter.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  4. Shape and Brush the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape about ½ inch thick. Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the surface of the dough.
  5. Cut and Add Parmesan: Cut the dough into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each piece, ensuring each bite is well covered.
  6. Bake the Bread Bites: Arrange the Parmesan bread bites on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy on top.
  7. Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve the bread bites warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
  • If using garlic salt in place of fresh garlic, reduce or omit the additional added salt to avoid oversalting.
  • Make the dough ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Bring refrigerated or frozen dough back to room temperature before shaping to ensure pliability.
  • Try bread flour for a chewier bite or all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
  • Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried; use about twice the amount indicated for dried.
  • Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought—serve warm for best dipping experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan Bread Bites, garlic bread bites, homemade pizza dough, garlic butter, appetizer, Italian appetizer, cheese bread bites, marinara dipping sauce