Why You’ll Love Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

These parmesan bread bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft and airy on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside, and dripping with garlic butter and melted cheese, they’re impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting game day, feeding a family, or just want a quick savory snack, this recipe is a go-to favorite. Best of all, they’re easy to make from scratch and customizable with your favorite herbs and cheeses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey (or granulated sugar)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Garlic Butter Topping
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
Add flour, salt, olive oil, parmesan, and mozzarella to the bowl. Mix and knead the dough until soft and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 20–30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Press the dough into an 8×8-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 1-inch strips, then again crosswise into 1-inch bites.
Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
In a saucepan, melt the butter with minced garlic and half of the chopped herbs. Brush this mixture over the tops of the bread bites.
Mix the remaining herbs with the parmesan cheese and sprinkle generously over the bites.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the bread is cooked through.
Brush with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with more parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Cheese Swaps: Try using Asiago, cheddar, or Romano cheese for a different flavor twist.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
Dipping Fun: Serve with marinara, pesto, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Herb Options: Use rosemary or parsley if thyme or sage isn’t available.
Store-Bought Dough: Save time by using pre-made pizza dough for a quicker version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover bread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through. You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds for a softer texture. If freezing, store them in a single layer, then transfer to a container or bag and reheat from frozen.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough is ready?

When the dough has doubled in size and feels soft and airy, it’s ready to use.

Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well and can save time if you’re in a hurry.

What’s the best way to serve these bites?

Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like marinara or garlic butter for the best flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and use it within 24 hours.

Can I freeze these after baking?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have thyme or sage?

You can use parsley, oregano, basil, or rosemary depending on your taste preferences.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Bake a little longer or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispier finish.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based butter and skip or replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add fillings inside the bites?

Yes, try stuffing small pieces of cheese or pepperoni inside each bite before baking for a fun twist.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the cheesy flavor and soft texture, especially when paired with a favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Parmesan bread bites are the perfect blend of comfort food and crowd-pleasing appetizer. With their buttery, cheesy flavor and fluffy texture, they’re sure to disappear fast whether served at a party or enjoyed on a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.

Parmesan Bread Bites

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Soft and fluffy parmesan bread bites made from pizza dough, baked to golden perfection and tossed in garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Place the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bread bites are golden brown and cooked through.
While they bake, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
Remove the bread bites from the oven and immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and optional parsley over the top and gently toss again to coat evenly.
Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Best served fresh and warm.
You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
Feel free to add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg