Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites are the ultimate appetizer for garlic bread lovers. Soft, golden bites of dough tossed in melted butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese — they’re buttery, cheesy, and completely irresistible. Perfect for parties, snacking, or serving alongside your favorite pasta or soup.
These bite-sized bread pieces are easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough, and they disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting game night or want a quick side dish, these little guys are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites
- Quick and easy to make — ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, and cheesy flavors
- Ideal for entertaining, family meals, or after-school snacks
- Requires minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
- Totally customizable with herbs or heat
- Great for dipping or serving as a standalone snack
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough (or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Extra melted butter for brushing after baking
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Cut the Dough
Roll out the dough on a clean surface. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch squares. You can also roll the dough into balls for a different look.
Step 3: Coat with Garlic Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and parsley or Italian seasoning. Toss the dough pieces until each one is coated in the mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated dough pieces evenly on the baking sheet, keeping them spaced slightly apart. Sprinkle parmesan cheese generously over the top.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a garlic yogurt dip. For extra indulgence, brush with more melted butter and a sprinkle of parmesan right out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Add to a holiday appetizer board
- Pair with creamy tomato soup or baked ziti
- Serve with wings or pizza on game day
- Offer as a snack during movie nights
- Pack in kids’ lunchboxes as a savory treat
Tips for the Best Bread Bites
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning
- Don’t overbake — they should be golden, not dry
- Fresh garlic brings more flavor, but powder works in a pinch
- Use quality parmesan for the best cheesy coating
- Add mozzarella for extra melt-in-your-mouth texture
Flavor Variations to Try
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread Bites
Add shredded mozzarella and layer dough pieces in a small baking dish or muffin tin for pull-apart style bites.
Garlic Herb Bread Bites
Add chopped fresh rosemary, basil, or chives to the garlic butter for an herby twist.
Spicy Parmesan Bites
Toss in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for some heat.
Italian Pizza Bites
Add mini pepperoni slices or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough mixture before baking.
Vegan Garlic Bread Bites
Use vegan butter and a plant-based parmesan alternative. Garlic and herbs will still shine through deliciously.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cut and coat the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover bread bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds (less crisp)
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites
- Marinara Sauce: Classic and bold
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy with double garlic punch
- Ranch Dressing: Cool contrast to warm, buttery bites
- Alfredo Sauce: Perfectly rich and indulgent
- Tomato Basil Soup: Cozy and comforting combo
Nutrition Info (Per 5–6 bites)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! Pizza or bread dough from scratch works just as well. Let it rest before cutting to avoid shrinking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough pieces in butter and refrigerate. Just bake them right before serving.
Can I freeze bread bites?
Yes. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes from frozen.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! Kids love them. You can reduce the garlic or skip red pepper flakes for milder flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure you have space to bake in batches or use two trays.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites are the definition of comfort food — warm, buttery, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness. They’re super simple, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear as soon as they hit the table.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, side dishes, or snack time, these bread bites are one of those recipes you’ll make again and again. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these bites never disappoint!
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough; homemade dough works too
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted, plus more for brushing after baking (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced; or use 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese use good-quality Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- 0.125 tsp salt optional, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesy bites
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter additional, melted for finishing brush (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Cut dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut into ~1-inch squares (or roll into small balls) using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Coat: In a bowl, stir together melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley/Italian seasoning. Toss dough pieces until evenly coated.
- Top & bake: Arrange coated pieces on the prepared sheet, slightly spaced. Sprinkle Parmesan generously over the top (add mozzarella if using). Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden with lightly crisp edges.
- Finish & serve: Brush with a little extra melted butter and a pinch more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with marinara, ranch, garlic yogurt dip, or Alfredo.