Homemade Pizza Dough

The heart of these Parmesan Bread Bites lies in the pizza dough. While you could opt for store-bought dough in a pinch, I wholeheartedly recommend making your own homemade pizza dough. The difference in taste and texture is simply undeniable. Homemade dough offers a superior chewiness and a more complex flavor profile that you just can’t replicate with pre-made options.

• Why Homemade Dough Matters: Using homemade dough allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding any unwanted additives or preservatives that can often be found in store-bought varieties. The process of making dough, even though it requires a bit of time for rising, is incredibly rewarding. The active dry yeast works its magic, creating a light and airy texture that’s essential for these bites. The simple combination of flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt transforms into something truly special.
• Recipe Flexibility: The recipe calls for “Homemade pizza dough,” which is wonderfully versatile. You can use your go-to pizza dough recipe or easily find countless reliable recipes online. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan-style dough or a slightly richer dough with a touch of honey or sugar, the choice is yours. The key is to have a dough that rises well and bakes to a soft yet slightly crisp texture. Consider experimenting with different types of flour too. Bread flour will yield a chewier bite, while all-purpose flour will result in a slightly softer texture.
• Make Ahead Option: One of the beauties of homemade pizza dough is that it can be made in advance. You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. Just remember to bring the dough back to room temperature before working with it to ensure it’s pliable and easy to shape. You can even freeze pizza dough for longer storage, making it a fantastic make-ahead component for these bread bites.

Garlic Butter

The garlic butter is the soul of these Parmesan Bread Bites, infusing them with that irresistible savory and aromatic punch. It’s a simple mixture, but the quality of each ingredient significantly impacts the final flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter is crucial because it allows you to control the saltiness of the garlic butter. Salted butter can be inconsistent in its salt content, and since we are adding salt separately, starting with unsalted butter gives you precise control over the flavor. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as this is essential for it to cream smoothly with the garlic and other seasonings, creating a homogenous and easily spreadable mixture. Room temperature butter incorporates air, leading to a lighter and fluffier garlic butter, which will brush onto the bread bites more evenly.
• Minced Garlic (or Garlic Salt): Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for its robust and pungent flavor. The aroma of fresh garlic sautéing in butter is intoxicating and adds a depth of flavor that garlic powder simply can’t match. Aim for finely minced garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the butter and releases its flavor effectively during baking. However, if you are short on time or prefer a milder garlic flavor, garlic salt is a convenient alternative. If using garlic salt, remember to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the bites too salty. The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of garlic salt as a substitute, which is a good starting point, but taste and adjust according to your preference.
• Salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer and is critical for balancing the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the dough. The recipe calls for ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon of salt, which is a precise measurement. Using the correct amount of salt is important to prevent the bread bites from tasting bland or overly salty. If you are using garlic salt, you might need to reduce the amount of added salt to avoid over-salting. Taste the garlic butter mixture before brushing it onto the dough and adjust salt if needed.
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that typically includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It adds a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully. The herbaceous notes of Italian seasoning bring complexity and depth to the garlic butter, making it more than just garlic and butter. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning blends at most grocery stores, or you can create your own blend if you have these dried herbs on hand.
• Dried Parsley (or Fresh Parsley): Parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the garlic butter. Dried parsley is convenient and works well, but fresh parsley, when finely minced, offers a brighter and more vibrant flavor. If using fresh parsley, remember to use about double the amount compared to dried parsley, as fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor. The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley as an alternative to 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, which is a good guideline. Whether you choose dried or fresh, parsley contributes a subtle herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished bread bites.

Additional Ingredients

These are the final touches that transform good Parmesan Bread Bites into truly exceptional ones.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the star topping that gives these bites their name and signature flavor. Using freshly grated parmesan is highly recommended over pre-shredded parmesan. Freshly grated parmesan has a superior flavor and melts more beautifully, creating that desirable crispy, cheesy crust. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can hinder melting and affect the texture. Invest in a block of good quality parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the best results. The recipe suggests 4 to 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan, which allows for flexibility depending on how cheesy you want your bites to be. Don’t be shy with the parmesan – a generous shower of cheese is what makes these bites so irresistible.
• Marinara Sauce for Dipping: Marinara sauce is the classic dipping accompaniment for garlic bread bites, and for good reason. The tangy tomato sauce provides a delightful contrast to the rich and buttery bread bites, cutting through the richness and adding another layer of flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own homemade marinara for an even more elevated experience. A simple marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs is easy to prepare and enhances the overall dish. Warm marinara sauce is particularly enjoyable for dipping, creating a comforting and satisfying appetizer or snack.