Why Make This Recipe
Parmesan Bread Bites are the perfect snack for any occasion. They are warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or just want a quick treat, these bites are always a hit. The combination of homemade bread and rich garlic butter makes them truly special.
How to Make Parmesan Bread Bites
Ingredients
Homemade Dough Matters: Making your own dough lets you pick fresh ingredients and avoid store-bought additives. The yeast helps create a light, airy texture—perfect for these tasty bites. Mixing flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt comes together beautifully with a little rising time.
Recipe Flexibility: Feel free to use any pizza dough recipe you love. Whether it’s a simple and classic version or a sweeter type, choose what you like best. The goal is a dough that rises well and has a soft yet crisp finish. You can even experiment with different flours for varied textures—bread flour adds chewiness while all-purpose flour keeps it softer.
Make Ahead Option: Homemade pizza dough can be made in advance. Prepare it, let it rise, and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using. You can also freeze dough for longer storage, which is super handy for busy days.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is important for controlling the saltiness of your garlic butter. Room temperature butter mixes easily with garlic and seasonings, making a smooth blend. This ensures an even spread and a light texture on the bites.
Minced Garlic (or Garlic Salt): Fresh garlic is the best choice for flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic salt works but be careful not to add too much extra salt. Adjust to your taste for that perfect garlic punch.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in your garlic butter and dough. Using the right amount is crucial to avoid blandness or over-saltiness. Adjust as needed if you use garlic salt.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds a lovely Mediterranean touch. You can buy it or make your own based on the dried herbs you have.
Dried Parsley (or Fresh Parsley): Parsley brightens the garlic butter mixture. Fresh parsley is more flavorful, but dried works in a pinch. Remember to use more fresh than dried since it’s less concentrated.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is key to great flavor. It melts beautifully for that cheesy crust. Pre-grated options might not melt as well due to additives, so grating your own is worth it. Don’t hold back on the cheese!
Marinara Sauce for Dipping: Warm marinara sauce is a classic companion. It adds a tangy contrast to the rich bites. You can use store-bought or homemade for the best flavor experience.
Directions
Start by greasing a large sheet pan with olive oil or non-stick spray, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
Follow your favorite pizza dough recipe, involving mixing flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled in size.
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Cut into about 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.
While the dough rests, mix the garlic butter ingredients in a small bowl until creamy.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Brush garlic butter generously over the dough bites, setting aside some for later. Bake for around 20 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle grated parmesan on top while they’re still hot.
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Parmesan Bread Bites
These bread bites are best enjoyed straight from the oven while they’re warm and cheesy. Serve them on a platter with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.
How to Store Parmesan Bread Bites
To store leftovers, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that warm, fresh-baked taste.
Tips to Make Parmesan Bread Bites
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and avoids soggy bites.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different herbs or spices to the garlic butter for a unique twist.
Variations
- Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Mix in a bit of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Swap out parmesan for other cheeses such as mozzarella for a gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough is fine! Just follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Can I freeze these bread bites?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge and then bake when ready to eat.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
You can use any hard cheese, like Romano or Asiago, as a substitute. Just ensure it’s grated for even melting.
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Parmesan Bread Bites
Ingredients
Homemade Dough
- 2 cups flour All-purpose flour or bread flour based on preference.
- 1 cup water Warm water for activating yeast.
- 1 packet yeast Active dry yeast or instant yeast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For dough and greasing the pan.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust if using garlic salt.
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Room temperature for mixing.
- 2 cloves minced garlic Fresh garlic preferred, or garlic salt adjusted to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Dried herbs mix.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best melting.
- 1 cup marinara sauce For dipping, warm before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare your pizza dough by mixing flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Knead until smooth.
- Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
- After rising, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Cut into about 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- While the dough rests, mix the ingredients for the garlic butter until creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the dough bites generously with garlic butter and reserve some for later. Bake for around 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle grated parmesan on top while hot.
Serving
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.