Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites
Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are savory, bite-sized delights combining melted cheese and aromatic garlic within soft bread, perfect for any gathering. Their customizable nature and irresistible flavor make them a favorite appetizer or snack for all occasions.
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
Ingredient Substitutions and Equipment Alternatives:
- 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.