Name: Parmesan Bread Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (13.8 oz) can of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Why You’ll Love Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

• Classic savory flavor that’s cheesy, buttery, and irresistible
• Comes together fairly quickly — under one hour from start to finish
• Made with simple ingredients and easily customizable
• Perfect for parties, pizza nights, movie nights, or game day snacking
• Pairs perfectly with marinara or creamy dipping sauces
• Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs for maximum flavor
• Freezer-friendly and great for prepping ahead
• Fun to make with kids or for hosting
• Looks impressive but is easy enough for beginners
• Great way to use leftover pizza dough

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey (or granulated sugar)
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Garlic Butter:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
½ cup parmesan cheese (for topping)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, olive oil, parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix and knead until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 20–30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape into an 8×8-inch square.
Cut into 1-inch strips, then into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Place each piece on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter with minced garlic over low heat. Brush the garlic butter onto each bread bite.
Mix parmesan cheese with chopped thyme and sage. Sprinkle over the buttered dough pieces.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.
After baking, brush with more garlic butter and sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 50 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist
• Use different cheeses like pecorino romano, asiago, or cheddar
• Substitute dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available
• Add minced rosemary or basil for a different herb profile
• Use pre-made pizza dough to save time
• Shape into breadsticks instead of bites
• Serve with a trio of dips like marinara, ranch, and pesto
• Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for extra crunch
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for added depth
• Make mini sandwiches by slicing bites and filling with cheese

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. For a quick option, microwave for about 10–15 seconds, but note that they may lose some crispiness. These bites can also be frozen after baking — store in a freezer-safe bag and reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F oven.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has properly risen?

The dough should double in size and look puffy and soft. If you press a finger into it, the indentation should remain.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works great for this recipe and cuts down on prep time.

What is the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Freshly shredded parmesan is best for flavor, but you can combine it with mozzarella or other cheeses for variety.

Why shouldn’t I overbake the bread bites?

Overbaking can make the bites too hard. You want them soft and slightly golden for the best texture.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What sauces pair well with Parmesan Bread Bites?

Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, pesto, or creamy alfredo all pair beautifully with these cheesy bites.

How do I make them extra cheesy?

Sprinkle additional cheese on top before and after baking for maximum cheesiness.

Can I freeze these bread bites?

Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or bag. Reheat in a low oven until warmed through.

Are fresh herbs necessary?

Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs can be used in a smaller amount as a substitute.

What’s the best way to melt garlic butter?

Melt butter over low heat with minced garlic until fragrant. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the garlic.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Bread Bites are everything you want in a savory snack — cheesy, buttery, and bite-sized with a golden crust and soft center. Whether served as an appetizer, a pizza night side, or a game-day treat, they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Give them a try, and they’re sure to become a new favorite.