If you’ve been on the hunt for a snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, then I’ve got you covered. This Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe is seriously one of my all-time favorites — they’re bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and so incredibly easy to whip up. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly; crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and that garlic butter glaze? Absolute magic. Stick with me, and I’ll share every little tip to get these bread bites perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: These bread bites are easy to pop in your mouth, making them the ultimate party snack or cozy night-in treat.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter paired with Parmesan and Italian seasoning guarantees each bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have these on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Serving: Serve them solo, with marinara, or alongside your favorite dips — the options are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll notice this Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have stocked. The magic really comes from the perfect combo of garlic butter and Parmesan, which clings so well to the fluffy bread. A good quality pizza dough is the base here, and that’s something I recommend you don’t skip on for the best texture.
- Classic Pizza Dough: I like using homemade or store-bought that feels fresh; cold dough needs to come up to room temp for easier shaping.
- Butter: Real unsalted butter melts beautifully and lends that rich, wonderful flavor you want in garlic bread.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable here — it gives you that bold punch.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs sets the perfect savory tone without overpowering the Parmesan.
- Kosher Salt: Just enough to bring out all the flavors but not too much to make it salty.
- Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has more bite and melts better than the pre-grated kind.
- Marinara Sauce: For dipping, homemade or your favorite store-bought works just fine.
Variations
One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch it up depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and you should absolutely play around with it too—personalizing recipes is half the fun!
- Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat that my family loves.
- Cheese Lovers: Swap Parmesan for a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy bite.
- Herb Twist: Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning gives a lovely aromatic lift.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to keep this treat accessible without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough for Success
If your pizza dough has been chilling in the fridge, you want to let it sit out for about an hour to warm up a bit. Trust me, this makes it way easier to handle and gives the bread bites a better rise and texture. Then, divide your dough into four sections on parchment paper — no sticking, no mess — and roll each piece into a 10-inch rope. Slice those ropes into 10 bite-sized pieces, placing them evenly on your baking sheet. Cover them with a tea towel and give them 30 minutes to rise. I learned the hard way that skipping this step results in dense bites, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Garlic Butter Magic
While your bites are rising, melt your butter in a microwave-safe bowl — about 30 seconds usually does the trick. Add in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt, then stir to combine. This mixture is the soul of the recipe and brushes on like a dream, giving you that golden, garlicky goodness that’s irresistible.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 400°F and generously spray your baking sheet with cooking spray. Brush half of your garlic butter over the tops of the bread bites — don’t skip this or they won’t have that crave-worthy buttery crust. Bake them for 15 minutes; watch carefully because they should be lightly golden, not brown. I used to overbake these and ended up with rock-hard bites, so set a timer and keep an eye on them!
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Extra Butter
Once your bites come out of the oven, brush half of them again with the remaining garlic butter while still warm. Then sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese on top — doing this in halves means the cheese sticks perfectly thanks to the wet butter. Repeat with the other half of the bites, and voilà, your bread bites are ready! Serve warm alongside marinara for dipping, and watch how quickly they disappear.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
- Room Temperature Dough: Always bring your dough to room temp before shaping to get soft, fluffy bites every time.
- Watch Your Bake Time: These bites brown quickly; 15 minutes is usually perfect — too long and they turn hard.
- Brush Twice for the Win: Apply garlic butter both before and after baking to maximize flavor and keep the bites moist.
- Cheese Application Tip: Add Parmesan onto bites immediately after brushing with butter so it sticks well without clumping.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a mild fresh flavor. Sometimes a pinch of extra grated Parmesan or even a light dusting of smoked paprika makes these look super special and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites pair beautifully with marinara sauce — I keep a jar of my favorite store-bought on hand for dipping. They also go great alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these bites in a circular pattern on a large serving board with small bowls of different dips in the center — be it marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy ranch. It turns a simple snack into a beautiful centerpiece everyone loves to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread bites are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and keep their texture intact.
Freezing
These bread bites freeze well! After baking and cooling completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
I find reheating in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes works best—this helps maintain their crispy exterior without drying them out like a microwave would.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works really well. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping to get soft, pillowy bites.
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What’s the best way to keep these bread bites soft and fresh?
Store them in an airtight container once cooled. If reheating, avoid microwaves to keep the outside crispy and soft inside by using an oven instead.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the bread bites up to the rising stage, then cover and refrigerate. Just let them come to room temp before baking for best results.
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Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute butter for a dairy-free margarine and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. They won’t be quite the same but still tasty!
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Can I add other seasonings?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so darn good and versatile. Whether it’s a casual snack, a quick side, or the star of a gathering, these bites never disappoint. I hope you give this recipe a try — once you do, I guarantee your family and friends will be asking for the recipe too. And if you do try it, let me know how it turns out! Happy baking and snacking, friend.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 40 bread bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Parmesan Bread Bites are soft, buttery, and packed with garlic and Italian seasoning, perfectly paired with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Made from classic pizza dough, they bake up golden and are ideal for dipping in marinara sauce. A delightful appetizer or snack that’s simple to prepare and pleasing to all.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ⅓ recipe Classic Pizza Dough
For the Butter Mixture
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, heaping
For Topping & Serving
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: If using pizza dough from the refrigerator, leave it in the sealed bag on the counter for one hour to come to room temperature, ensuring better rise and easier handling.
- Shape the bread bites: On parchment paper, divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice each rope into 10 one-inch pieces. Repeat with all dough pieces. Place the bites evenly spaced on a rimmed baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean tea towel and let the dough bites rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare the baking sheet with cooking spray as needed.
- Make the garlic butter: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Brush and bake: Brush half of the garlic butter mixture onto the tops of the dough bites. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until very lightly golden but still soft. Avoid overbaking to prevent hard bread bites.
- Finish topping: Remove the bites from the oven. Brush half of the remaining garlic butter onto half of the bites and sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the other half so the cheese sticks well while the butter is still wet.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan bread bites warm with your favorite marinara or an olive oil dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Allowing dough to come to room temperature before shaping improves texture and rise.
- Do not overbake; bread bites should be soft and just lightly golden.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting characteristics.
- These bites pair wonderfully with marinara or olive oil dips but are delicious on their own.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bread bites (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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