Name: Parmesan Bread Bites with Garlic Butter and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade pizza dough (made from flour, water, active dry yeast, olive oil, salt); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt as substitute); 3/8 teaspoon salt (¼ + ⅛ teaspoon combined, adjust if using garlic salt); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram); 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced; 4 to 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Marinara sauce, warmed, for dipping; Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for greasing baking sheet

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Introduction

Parmesan Bread Bites are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer featuring soft, chewy dough infused with flavorful garlic butter and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Perfect for sharing, these bites pair wonderfully with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

A white plate is filled with small round golden-brown gnocchi pieces, each coated lightly with grated cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs, giving a fresh contrast. The gnocchi show a slightly crispy texture on the outside with a soft, tender inside. A metal cup of red dipping sauce is placed in the upper left corner inside the plate. The entire plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Homemade pizza dough (store-bought dough can be used in a pinch)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic salt as a substitute)
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust if using garlic salt)

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced)

4 to 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a large baking sheet generously with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare your pizza dough according to your favorite recipe or use store-bought. Let it rise until doubled in size, then gently punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
Step 3: Cut the dough into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniform size to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest in a warm place for 30 minutes to rise slightly again.
Step 5: While the dough rests, combine the unsalted butter, minced garlic (or garlic salt), salt, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a small bowl. Mix until creamy and well blended. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 6: Uncover the dough bites and brush them generously with most of the garlic butter mixture, reserving some for later.

Step 7: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter. If the butter has thickened, warm it slightly to make it easier to spread.
Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the hot bread bites, allowing it to melt slightly.

Step 10: Serve the Parmesan Bread Bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
For a softer bite, use all-purpose flour in your dough; for chewier texture, opt for bread flour.

If using garlic salt instead of fresh garlic, reduce added salt to avoid oversalting.
Fresh parsley adds a vibrant herbal note, but dried parsley works well too—use about half the amount if substituting dried for fresh.
Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before using.

Storage

Store any leftover Parmesan Bread Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bites soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with about twenty small, round golden-brown balls stacked in a loose pile, each ball topped with a sprinkling of white crumbly cheese and small green herb flakes, with some crispy browned spots visible on the edges. At the top left side of the plate, a small round cup filled with red sauce is tucked in, slightly hidden behind the balls. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 dough can be used in a pinch, but homemade dough provides a superior texture and flavor that really enhances the bread bites.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, or simply use a mix of oregano and basil to keep a similar flavor profile.