Introduction

Parmesan Bread Bites are bite-sized pieces of soft pizza dough brushed with flavorful garlic butter and topped with parmesan cheese. Perfectly golden and served with marinara sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.

A blue plate filled with many small, round bread rolls that are golden brown on top with a light sprinkling of white cheese and green herbs, showing a fluffy texture. Next to the rolls on the plate is a white cup filled with bright red marinara sauce topped with small pieces of white cheese and green herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Homemade pizza dough
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt)
1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
4 to 6 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce for dipping
Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare your homemade pizza dough according to your recipe. After the first rise, gently punch down the dough without fully deflating it. Transfer it to a work surface and cut into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
Step 3: Arrange the dough bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Wrap the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and place it in the warmest spot in your kitchen for about 30 minutes to rise slightly.
Step 4: While the dough rests, prepare the garlic butter. In a microwavable bowl, melt the butter with the minced garlic. Stir in the salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley. If using garlic salt instead of minced garlic, add it with the other seasonings after melting the butter.
Step 5: Unwrap the towel from the dough bites and brush the tops generously with the garlic butter, reserving some butter for later.
Step 6: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Immediately brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter (reheat if necessary) and sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Serve the garlic parmesan bread bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor or garlic salt for convenience and a slightly different taste.
Try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different aroma.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella along with parmesan before baking.

Storage

Store leftover bread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A dark blue round plate filled with many small golden-brown dough balls sprinkled with white grated cheese and green herbs, showing a soft, slightly shiny texture; to the right side of the plate, a small white bowl holds bright red marinara sauce with some bits of herbs and grated cheese on top; the plate is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well for this recipe and can save time while still delivering delicious results.

How do I make the dough bites crispier?

Ensure there is enough space between the bites on the baking sheet to allow for even airflow. Baking until golden and brushing with butter after baking helps keep them flavorful yet slightly crispy on top.