I make this Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe when I need a quick snack or a small party food. I first tried it on a busy weeknight. I wanted something warm that my family would eat fast. The bites came out soft inside and a bit crisp on top. They were easy to hold and dip.
This recipe became useful for me when I needed a simple side for soup or salad. I can make the dough ahead. I can bake the bites while I set the table. They fill a room with a good smell. I keep this recipe for busy nights and for small visits from friends.
This recipe makes small, soft bread pieces topped with garlic butter and parmesan. The bites taste like warm bread with a strong cheese note and a mild garlic flavor. The outside can be a little crisp. The inside stays light and soft. People often make these as an appetizer. They work well at parties, potlucks, or family dinners. You can serve them with tomato sauce or with a salad. They are not hard to share. If you like trying other quick bread treats, you can also look at a lemon and berry bake like this lemon blueberry bread for a sweet side.
Why make this recipe
This recipe saves time and gives big flavor. It uses dough you can make ahead. The bites cook fast. They need only one pan and a short bake time. The garlic butter and parmesan add rich taste without many steps. You can use simple tools and few bowls. You do not need fancy skills to form the bites. They help when you need food for a fast crowd. They also fit well with soup, pasta, or a salad. The recipe works on a weeknight or on a calm weekend when you want a warm snack. You can change the herbs to match what you have.
How to make Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
First, you mix and rise the dough. Then you cut it into small pieces. You brush them with garlic butter. You bake until they are golden. After baking you add more butter and sprinkle parmesan so it melts a bit. The process moves from dough to bite to finished top. Each step builds on the last. You will see the dough rise, then the tops brown in the oven. If you have tips on dough work, you may borrow small tricks from other quick bread recipes like that gingerbread waffle guide. Expect a warm pan and a fragrant kitchen when you bake these.
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade pizza dough (enough for about 24 bites)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt)
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh, minced)
- 4 to 6 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or non-stick spray for the pan
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
These items are simple and easy to find. The dough is the base. Fresh parmesan gives better melt and flavor than pre-shredded cheese. Use room temp butter so it mixes well with garlic and herbs. If you like other bread flavors, you can pair these bites with a sweet bread like an apple fritter loaf; see a plain but tasty idea at an apple fritter bread recipe. The rest of the items help the top turn golden and add that garlicky, cheesy taste.
Directions
Grease a large sheet pan well with olive oil or use non-stick spray. This stops the bites from sticking. Olive oil also helps the bottom turn a bit crisp. Keep the pan near you while you work.
Make the dough and let it rise until it doubles. A good rise gives light, soft bites. Gently press the dough down to remove big air pockets. Move the dough to a floured surface to cut it.
Cut the dough into about 1-inch pieces. Try to keep the pieces the same size so they bake evenly. If pieces vary, some will cook faster than others.
Place the cut dough on the pan, about 1 inch apart. Give them room so air moves around each piece. Cover with a towel and let them rest for about 30 minutes. This second rise makes them puff and stay soft inside.
Make the garlic butter by mixing room temp butter, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the bites with some garlic butter before baking. Bake for about 20 minutes until tops are golden. The brush step adds flavor and helps brown the tops.
After baking, brush with the rest of the butter while the bites are hot. Then sprinkle grated parmesan on top so it melts a little. The hot bites will take in the butter and the cheese will stick and melt. Serve right away with warm marinara if you like dipping. Each step matters: rising makes them light, spacing keeps them even, butter adds taste and texture, and the final cheese gives the sharp finish.
How to serve Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Serve them warm from the oven for best taste. Place them in a bowl or on a platter. Add a small dish of warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with a green salad or soup. For a casual meal, put the bites next to pasta or meat. For a party, make two pans and let people grab as they want. You can set out small plates and napkins so guests eat easily. If you add a little extra parmesan or fresh parsley before serving, the bites look nice. They pair well with soft cheeses or a mild slaw.
How to store Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Cool the bites to room temperature before storing. For short storage, put them in an airtight container or a zip bag. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Warm them in the oven or microwave before serving. To keep longer, freeze them on a tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag. In the freezer they last 1 to 2 months. Reheat frozen bites in a warm oven at 350°F until hot. Do not store them with wet sauce on top. Keep sauce separate and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to make Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Use room temp butter for smooth mixing. Cut pieces the same size. If your dough is sticky, dust your cutter and board lightly. Do not press the dough too hard when you punch it down. Let it rest for the second rise for softer bites. Watch the oven the last few minutes so the top does not burn. Use fresh grated parmesan for best melt and flavor. If your garlic butter gets stiff while baking, warm it a few seconds in the microwave to brush it on. If you want more crisp, bake a bit longer, but check often. These little steps help you get the right texture and taste.
Variation
You can change the herbs and cheese for new flavors. Try mozzarella or asiago instead of parmesan. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Mix in a small amount of cooked and chopped bacon before baking for a smoky bite. For a herbier taste, add fresh basil or oregano. If you want less garlic, cut the garlic amount in half. You can also make larger pieces to serve as pull-apart rolls. If you prefer a richer dough, add a tablespoon of sugar or olive oil to the dough mix. These swaps keep the same method but give a new taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought dough? A: Yes. Store dough works fine. Let it warm to room temp before you cut it.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter ahead? A: Yes. Keep it in the fridge for a day and bring to room temp before use.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Warm them in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also zap them a short time in the microwave.
Q: Can I skip the parmesan? A: You can. The bites will still be good with just garlic butter or another cheese like mozzarella.
Conclusion
For another take on this snack, see this guide on How to Make Parmesan Bread Bites – Best Appetizers which shows a clear method and photos. You can also read a similar easy version at Parmesan Bread Bites Appetizer Recipe | 365 Days of Baking and More.
Print
Parmesan Bread Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy Parmesan Bread Bites, perfect for snacks, parties, or as a side dish, featuring a soft inside and crispy top.
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade pizza dough (enough for about 24 bites)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt)
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh, minced)
- 4 to 6 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or non-stick spray for the pan
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Make the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size.
- Press the dough down gently, then cut it into about 1-inch pieces.
- Place the cut dough on the pan, about 1 inch apart, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Mix butter, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley to make garlic butter.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and brush the bites with some garlic butter before baking.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until the tops are golden.
- After baking, brush with the remaining butter and sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
For best taste, serve warm from the oven. Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze for 1 to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
