These are small cheese-and-garlic dough balls made from flour, baking powder, mozzarella and Parmesan, mixed with milk and melted butter and baked until golden. There is no yeast and no rising time, so the dough goes from bowl to oven right away. The recipe serves 4 and takes 25 to 30 minutes in total, 10 of them prep.
Save this recipe for later:
The bites are about 1 inch across, which makes them easy to pick up and share. They suit a party table, a movie night or a snack.
What Goes in the Dough
The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient does.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): the base, giving the dough structure.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): makes the bites light and fluffy without yeast.
- Salt (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): the seasoning, with the garlic powder giving the main flavor.
- Mozzarella (1 cup, shredded): melts into the dough for a gooey texture.
- Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): adds a nutty, salty depth.
- Milk (1/2 cup) and unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): the milk moistens the dough, and the butter adds richness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): optional, for the finish.
Keeping the Bites Tender
Stir the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper together first, then mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan until evenly spread. Pour in the milk and melted butter and mix just until combined. Do not overmix, because that makes the bites tough. Room-temperature ingredients blend more evenly, which helps the dough come together.
A rubber spatula folds the dough gently, and a wooden spoon works if you have no spatula. Use your hands to shape balls about 1 inch across, and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them so they bake evenly.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. If you like, brush the tops with extra melted butter and sprinkle on the parsley before serving.
Ways to Change Them
- Cheddar: use it in place of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
- Heat: add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dough, or mix in diced jalapeños.
- Herbs: work fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough.
- Sweet version: add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of sugar to the dough for a dessert-style bite.
What to Serve With Them
A bowl of marinara sauce for dipping is the classic choice, since the tomato contrasts with the cheesy bread. A platter of cucumbers, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes adds crunch. For a drink, sparkling water with lemon or lime clears the palate.
Making Ahead, Storing and Freezing
The dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then form the balls and bake as directed.
Baked bites keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
To freeze, shape the balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep in the freezer for up to three months. Bake them from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
Nutrition per Serving
One serving has approximately 210 calories, 12 grams of fat (7 grams saturated), 18 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, no sugar, 8 grams of protein and 400 milligrams of sodium.
FAQ
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. The dough keeps in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours when covered tightly. Form the balls and bake when you are ready.
How long do leftovers keep?
At room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the texture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze the shaped balls on a lined baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
The Foodie Yummy Cookbook
12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.
Made it or loved it? Share this recipe
Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites: Easy Recipe to Try Today!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
Pour in the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Using your hands, form the dough into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread bites are golden brown.
If desired, brush the tops with additional melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dough.
Substitute the mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 calories |
| Sugar Content | 0g |
| Sodium Content | 400mg |
| Fat Content | 12g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 7g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 5g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 18g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 8g |
| Cholesterol Content | 30mg |