Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are a delightful fusion of rich, melted cheese and aromatic garlic, encapsulated within soft, golden-brown bread. These bite-sized treats have become a favorite appetizer and snack, cherished for their irresistible flavor and comforting texture. Whether served at parties, family gatherings, or as a cozy indulgence, they offer a satisfying experience that appeals to all ages.
The History of Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites The concept of combining bread with garlic and cheese has roots in various culinary traditions. Garlic bread itself traces back to ancient Rome, where bread was topped with a mixture of garlic and olive oil. The addition of cheese evolved over time, particularly in Italian-American cuisine, leading to the creation of stuffed variants. The bite-sized version emerged as a modern adaptation, designed for convenience and shareability, reflecting contemporary dining preferences for finger foods and appetizers.
Ingredients Breakdown – Pizza Dough (1½ pounds): Serves as the base, providing a soft and chewy texture. – Cheese Curds or Mozzarella (5 ounces): Offers a gooey, melted center with a rich flavor. – Salted Butter (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and aids in browning. – Fresh Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Infuses the bites with a robust, aromatic flavor. – Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, minced): Provides a fresh, herbal note. – Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, finely shredded): Enhances the savory profile with a sharp, nutty taste. – Marinara Sauce (1 cup): Optional, for dipping, adding a tangy contrast.
Step-by-Step Recipe 1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat. 2. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and parsley, stirring until fragrant. Remove from heat. 3. Divide Dough: Cut pizza dough into 18 equal pieces. Flatten each into a 3-inch round. 4. Add Cheese: Place 1-2 cheese curds or a cube of mozzarella in the center of each dough round. 5. Form Bites: Encase the cheese by folding the dough over and sealing the edges, forming a ball. 6. Assemble in Skillet: Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the skillet. 7. Apply Garlic Butter: Brush the tops of the dough balls with the prepared garlic butter. 8. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle finely shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. 9. Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown. 10. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites – Use Fresh Dough: Homemade or high-quality store-bought pizza dough yields the best texture. – Cheese Selection: Opt for cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheese curds, for a gooey center. – Seal Properly: Ensure the dough is well-sealed around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking. – Preheat Skillet: Heating the skillet beforehand helps achieve a crispy bottom crust. – Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on the bites during baking to prevent over-browning.
Variations and Customizations – Herb Infusion: Add dried Italian herbs to the garlic butter for extra flavor. – Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the cheese filling for heat. – Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for varied tastes. – Stuffed Additions: Include cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms with the cheese. – Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto instead of marinara.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value While Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are indulgent, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each bite contains carbohydrates from the dough, fats from the butter and cheese, and protein from the cheese. To make them slightly healthier: – Use Whole Wheat Dough: Increases fiber content. – Reduce Butter: Cut back on butter to lower saturated fat. – Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling. – Control Portions: Serve with a side salad to balance the meal.
FAQ – Can I prepare these ahead of time? Yes, assemble the bites and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture. – Can I freeze them? Absolutely. Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. – What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Use a baking dish or sheet lined with parchment paper; adjust baking time as needed. – Can I use pre-made biscuit dough? Yes, but the texture will differ slightly; monitor baking time accordingly. – How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1½ pounds pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 5 ounces garlic-flavored cheese curds
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Scarlati Family Kitchen
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of Cache Valley® salted butter. Add the finely minced garlic and parsley, stirring gently. Ensure the mixture melts without simmering; remove from heat if necessary to prevent overheating.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Take your 1½ pounds of pizza dough and divide it into 18 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
- Flatten and Fill: Flatten each dough ball into a 3-inch round. Place 1 to 2 Cache Valley® garlic-flavored cheese curds in the center of each round. (Use one curd for larger pieces and 2-3 for smaller ones.)
- Seal the Bites: Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese curds, pinching the edges together to seal and prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Prepare the Skillet: Using oven mitts, remove the preheated skillet from the oven. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the bottom of the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Arrange Dough Balls: Place the stuffed dough balls seam-side down into the hot, buttered skillet.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Pour the prepared garlic and parsley butter mixture over the arranged dough balls. Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the butter across all the bites.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Cache Valley® finely shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the buttered dough balls.
- Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the tops of the bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the bites cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites!
Notes
- Parsley: If fresh parsley isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley required.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough. Note that baking times may vary, so monitor closely to achieve the desired doneness.
- Alternative to Cast Iron Skillet: If a cast iron skillet isn’t on hand, a cake pan or baking dish can be used. Unlike the skillet, do not preheat these alternatives. Instead, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it over the bottom and sides of the pan before adding the stuffed dough balls. Be aware that baking times may be longer with these alternatives.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing: Once the bites have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For a quick warm-up, place individual bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15 to 20 seconds. For larger batches, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bites on a sheet pan for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bites are heated through.