Parmesan Bread Bites
Parmesan Bread Bites are the perfect blend of cheesy goodness, mouth-watering aroma, and delightful crunch. These bite-sized snacks are bursting with flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe provides an easy way to indulge in comfort food without the fuss. With a step-by-step approach, you’ll be able to create these delicious morsels in no time, inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Bread Bites recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is not only quick to prepare but also family-friendly. These bites are perfect for little hands and big appetites alike. The melted cheese and warm spices create a cozy atmosphere, making them a delightful addition to your dinner table or a fun snack for movie night. Plus, they bake up beautifully in under 15 minutes, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your company.
Ingredients for Parmesan Bread Bites
To make these scrumptious Parmesan Bread Bites, you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
With these fresh ingredients in hand, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a plateful of these golden bites.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and baking powder. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and the egg until well combined. If using fresh parsley, add it to this mixture now.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. It may be slightly sticky; if too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
- Once the dough is ready, use your hands or a small scoop to form bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1-2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bread bites are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or snack. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Parmesan Bread Bites, consider sprinkling extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier experience. If you want a burst of flavor, try adding herbs like oregano or basil. Store any leftover bites in an airtight container to retain their freshness, and consider reheating them in the oven to regain that crispy texture. You can also customize these bites by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives, offering a twist that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Parmesan Bread Bites are perfect for various occasions. Serve them alongside marinara sauce for dipping, or pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal. They also make an excellent accompaniment to soups, especially tomato or vegetable soups. For an elegant touch, arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This not only enhances the presentation but also uplifts the flavor profile with a touch of zest.
Nutritional Information
Parmesan Bread Bites are not just tasty; they also have a reasonably balanced nutritional profile. Each bite contains about 90-100 calories, depending on size and ingredients. They are a great source of protein from the cheese and egg, while the herbs add vitamins and minerals. For a healthier touch, consider swapping half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or incorporate some ground oats for added fiber.
Storing Tips & Variations for Parmesan Bread Bites
To store your leftover Parmesan Bread Bites, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. If you want to try different flavors, think about incorporating spices like cumin for a more aromatic bite, or even cheese blends like mozzarella for a classic combo.
Conclusion for Parmesan Bread Bites
These Parmesan Bread Bites are a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy goodness and quick snacks. Perfect for any gathering or casual night in, they offer a delightful crunch and rich flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more. Why wait? Gather your ingredients and get started on making these irresistible bites today!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Each will bring its unique flavor.
2. Are these bites suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container, and they will remain fresh for up to 2 months.
3. How can I make these bites spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or incorporate spicy cheese for an extra kick.
4. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor. If using dried, keep the quantity to about 2 tablespoons.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in a preheated oven to restore their crispy texture, which takes about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Parmesan Bread Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized snacks featuring a cheesy goodness and delightful crunch, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and egg until combined, then add parsley if using fresh.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Form bite-sized balls of dough (about 1 inch) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack and serving warm.
Notes
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle cheese on top before baking, and store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
