Name: Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 refrigerated pizza dough (store bought or homemade); 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 5 tbsp butter (melted); 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder); 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp dried parsley (chopped); 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)

Isn't there something about warm, cheesy bites of bread that just makes everything better? This Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe delivers exactly that—soft, fluffy morsels kissed with garlic butter and sprinkled generously with Parmesan. I promise, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to snack or party starter.

A white bowl holding bright red tomato sauce topped with bits of green herbs and white grated cheese sits in the center of a white plate filled with many small, golden-brown dough bites sprinkled with green herbs and white cheese flakes. One dough bite is held by a woman's hand dipping into the sauce. The dough pieces have a textured, slightly crispy look and are piled closely around the bowl, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the very first time I baked these garlic Parmesan bread bites, I was hooked—and honestly, so were all my friends! They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to beat.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand already, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or impromptu guests.
Quick Prep and Bake: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a fresh batch ready to enjoy—no waiting around for dough to rise.
Versatile Snack or Side: These bites pair beautifully with dips, soups, or salads—or make a standalone snack that no one can resist.
Crowd-Pleaser: They vanish fast at parties—trust me, they’re a guaranteed hit.

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a small golden-brown square snack covered with white cheese and green herb bits. Below, many similar square snacks are spread out in a pile, all coated with cheese and herbs. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with red tomato sauce topped with some green herbs and grated cheese, placed on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the held snack, making the background softly blurred, highlighting the texture of the cheese and herbs on the crisp golden bites photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe plays a star role to deliver that perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, and cheesy goodness. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes each one so special, plus a little tip for each.

Flat lay of a round ball of fresh pizza dough, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted golden butter, two whole uncracked cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped dried parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing dried Italian seasoning, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refrigerated pizza dough: Using store-bought dough saves tons of time but still gives a soft, chewy texture—feel free to use homemade if you’re up for it!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan has a sharp, nutty flavor that melts just right, making those bites irresistible.
Butter: Melted butter creates that rich base for the garlic and herbs to stick to the dough; unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness.
Garlic (minced or powder): Fresh garlic gives the most vibrant flavor, but garlic powder works great when you’re in a pinch.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the cheese or herbs.
Dried parsley: Adds a subtle fresh note and a pop of green that makes the bites look as good as they taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and other herbs that rounds out the flavor with that classic Italian vibe.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe depending on the crowd or occasion. You can easily switch up herbs for a different flavor punch or add something extra to the mix. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to personalize it.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick—my husband loves this little spicy surprise!
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It won’t be the same, but it’s still delicious.
Cheese upgrade: Mixing mozzarella with Parmesan creates that perfect melty pull-apart texture that kids adore.
Extra herbs: Fresh basil or rosemary finely chopped can add a lovely aroma and fresh flavor, especially in summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Oven

First thing I do is preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, I unroll my refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. This keeps it from sticking and makes shaping so much easier. Pro tip: If your dough feels too cold or stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften up for easier handling.

Step 2: Cut the Dough Into Bite-Sized Pieces

I slice the dough into small cubes—about 1 to 1½ inches works perfectly for finger food. Make sure your cuts are even so that all the bites bake at the same rate. Uneven pieces can mean some get dry while others stay doughy, and nobody wants that.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter

Next, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is the secret to bursting flavor. You’ll want to brush it liberally over the bread bites both before and after baking for that perfect garlicky, buttery coating.

Step 4: Bake and Brushing Rounds

Place your dough cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spaced a little apart. Brush the first layer of garlic butter over the dough and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan to get that golden cheesy crust. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until they puff up and turn light golden. Halfway through, brush again with garlic butter then finish with one last dusting of cheese just as they come out of the oven.

Top Tip

Making these Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites can feel like a quick win, but a few small tips made a big difference for me—hopefully they’ll help you, too!

Use room temperature dough: Gives you a softer texture and easier to cut pieces that bake evenly.
Brush the bites twice: Brushing garlic butter before and after baking layers on the flavor and keeps them moist.
Grate cheese fresh: Pre-grated cheese can sometimes clump or doesn’t melt as nicely.
Watch the baking time: Overbaking dries them out, so keep an eye on that golden color as your cue.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley right before serving to add a bright contrast and fresh aroma. Sometimes a dusting of grated Parmesan at the table helps boost the cheesiness if everyone’s craving more.

Side Dishes

These bread bites go hand-in-hand with my homemade marinara for dipping—nothing beats buttery bites dipped into tangy tomato sauce! They’re also fantastic alongside soup, like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar, or served with a crisp green salad for a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? I love arranging the bites in a bread basket lined with a checked kitchen towel for a rustic feel. Add little bowls of marinara, ranch, or even garlic aioli around it. For a fun twist, try stacking them pyramid-style on a platter for easy grab-and-go snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread bites keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I find they stay soft if you add a slice of bread in the container to keep the moisture in, but be sure to keep them away from refrigeration, which can dry them out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen batches of these before by cooling them completely, then storing in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a quick snack, just thaw for about 30 minutes and reheat in the oven—easy and still delicious!

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. A light brush of extra garlic butter before warming helps restore moistness. I avoid microwaving since it can make the bread chewy or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety. Just note that baking time and texture might vary slightly depending on the dough brand.

Is it better to use fresh garlic or garlic powder?

Fresh garlic offers a deeper and fresher flavor, but if you’re short on time or want a milder garlic taste, garlic powder works just fine in this recipe.

How do I prevent the bread bites from drying out?

Brushing the bites twice with garlic butter—once before baking and once right after they come out of the oven—locks in moisture and keeps them tender.

Can I add other cheeses besides Parmesan?

Absolutely! Adding mozzarella or cheddar can make the bites gooey and rich. Just sprinkle your favorite cheese on top before baking for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I served these Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites at a family game night—they disappeared in minutes, and everyone asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew this little dish was a keeper. It’s simple, comforting, and just downright delicious. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how often you find excuses to make it again!