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Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites - Crispy, Gooey, and Perfect for Sharing

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade; refrigerated dough works great)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (low-moisture for best melt)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (adds salty, nutty flavor)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Marinara or ranch for dipping (optional but highly recommended)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it so nothing sticks.
  2. Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter with olive oil over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Let it gently bubble for 30–60 seconds, then remove from heat so the garlic doesn’t burn.
  3. Portion the dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 20–24 small pieces. Roll each into a rough ball or cube. Don’t worry about perfect shapes; rustic is fine.
  4. Toss with flavor: In a large bowl, combine the dough pieces with half of the garlic butter. Add half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Toss until the dough is coated and the cheese sticks to the surface.
  5. Assemble on the pan: Spread the coated dough pieces on the baking sheet in a single snug layer, touching but not piled. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
  6. Bake until golden: Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the bites are puffed, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are deeply golden. Rotate the pan once if your oven browns unevenly.
  7. Finish with flair: Brush the hot bites with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
  8. Serve: Let them cool for 3–4 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then pull apart and serve with warm marinara or ranch on the side.