Name: Parmesan Bread Bites
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Homemade pizza dough; Unsalted butter, at room temperature; Minced garlic; Salt; Italian seasoning; Dried parsley; Grated parmesan cheese; Marinara sauce for dipping

why make this recipe

Parmesan Bread Bites are a fantastic treat for any occasion. They are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party food, these bites are loved by both kids and adults. Plus, they are easy to make and even better when served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The homemade aspect makes them feel special, and they are sure to impress your friends and family.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

how to make Parmesan Bread Bites

Ingredients:

Homemade Pizza Dough:
- Using homemade dough allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding unwanted additives. Even though it may take some time for the dough to rise, the result is a light and airy texture that’s essential for these bites.
- The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. You can use your favorite pizza dough recipe or find one online that you like.
Unsalted Butter:
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your garlic butter. Room temperature butter will cream nicely with garlic and other seasonings, making it easy to spread.
Minced Garlic (or Garlic Salt):
- Freshly minced garlic will give a stronger flavor than garlic powder. Finely mince the garlic for the best distribution in the butter mixture.
Salt:
- Salt enhances flavor. Follow the recipe’s measurement to ensure the bread bites aren’t bland.
Italian Seasoning:
- A mix of dried herbs adds a classic flavor profile, complementing the garlic and parmesan.
Dried Parsley (or Fresh Parsley):
- Parsley adds freshness and a nice touch to the garlic butter.
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
- Freshly grated parmesan is recommended over pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Marinara Sauce for Dipping:
- A classic choice, marinara sauce offers a tangy contrast to the richness of the bites.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the pizza dough according to your chosen recipe and let it rise until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface.
Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough bites rest for about 30 minutes.
While the bites are resting, mix the garlic butter. Combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a bowl.
Brush some garlic butter over the dough bites after the resting period.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top while warm.
Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

how to serve Parmesan Bread Bites

These bites are best served warm right out of the oven. Pair them with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They make for a delightful snack, appetizer, or even a side dish at a gathering.

how to store Parmesan Bread Bites

If you have leftover Parmesan Bread Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

tips to make Parmesan Bread Bites

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough or garlic butter.

variation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add toppings like chopped olives or jalapeños for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you prefer a quicker option.

Can I freeze these bread bites?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked bites before the second rise. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator and rise before baking.

How do I get the cheese to stick to the bread bites?
Make sure to brush the bites with the garlic butter while they’re warm. This will help the cheese adhere better.