These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are made with pizza dough stuffed with gooey garlic-flavored cheese curds and topped with savory garlic herb butter and parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection and dipped in marinara, they are perfect for a shareable appetizer or irresistible snack. 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• Dough: 1 ½ pounds pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Filling: Garlic cheddar cheese curds or mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• Topping:
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • Finely shredded parmesan cheese
• Dip: Marinara or pizza sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Divide the Dough: Ensure pizza dough is at room temperature. Divide into 18 equal pieces and roll into balls approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter.
4. Stuff the Dough Balls: Flatten each dough ball, place a piece of cheese in the center, and wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching to seal.
5. Coat with Garlic Butter: Remove the preheated skillet from the oven (use caution). Brush the bottom with garlic butter. Place stuffed dough balls seam-side down in the skillet. Brush tops generously with more garlic butter.
6. Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Add Parmesan: After baking, brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with finely shredded parmesan cheese.
8. Serve: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts 

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Total Fat: ~6g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3.5g
• Cholesterol: ~15mg
• Sodium: ~180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~0.5g
  • Sugars: ~1g
• Protein: ~4g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are an irresistible combination of soft, golden-brown bread filled with gooey melted cheese, all topped with a rich garlic butter sauce and parmesan. These bites are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game nights, or even as a side dish for pasta or pizza nights. They are easy to make and can be customized with different cheese fillings, seasonings, and dips. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you use homemade pizza dough or store-bought, the result is always delicious. The garlic butter enhances the flavor, while the parmesan adds a crispy, savory touch. When served with marinara sauce, these bread bites become an addicting snack that everyone will love.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Bread Bites

To ensure your stuffed bread bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room-temperature dough: Cold pizza dough is harder to work with and can shrink when stretched. Letting it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes makes it easier to shape.
• Seal the dough properly: To prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking, make sure to pinch the edges of the dough firmly around the cheese.
• Use the right cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Cheese curds work exceptionally well because they melt beautifully.
• Preheat the skillet: Heating the cast iron skillet before placing the dough inside helps create a crispy crust on the bottom, ensuring a better texture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bites while baking. Overbaking can cause them to dry out, while underbaking might leave the dough raw in the middle.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe can be customized in many ways, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check all ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
• Herb-Infused Dough: Mix dried Italian herbs into the dough before rolling it out for extra flavor.
• Meat-Stuffed Bites: Add a small piece of pepperoni, crumbled sausage, or even shredded chicken inside each dough ball along with the cheese.
• Different Dipping Sauces: While marinara is a classic choice, these bread bites also taste great with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, pesto, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy stuffed garlic bread bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and gooey. They pair well with a variety of dishes and occasions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them at parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings for a crowd-pleasing snack.
• With Pasta: Enjoy them alongside your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.
• With Soup or Salad: Pair them with a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad for a well-balanced meal.
• As a Side Dish: They make a great accompaniment to pizza, roasted meats, or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they are so delicious!), you can store them properly to enjoy later.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These bread bites can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture rather than a crispy one.

Health Considerations

While these bread bites are undeniably delicious, they are also indulgent. If you’re looking for ways to make them a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

• Use whole wheat dough instead of white pizza dough for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce the butter or use olive oil instead to cut down on saturated fat.
• Opt for low-fat cheese to reduce calorie and fat content while still enjoying the cheesy goodness.
• Serve with a healthier dip like homemade tomato sauce with no added sugar or a yogurt-based dip.

Why This Recipe is a Crowd Favorite

There are countless reasons why people love these stuffed bread bites. They offer a perfect combination of soft, chewy bread and melty cheese with a bold garlic butter flavor. The bite-sized portions make them ideal for sharing, and they are easy to prepare ahead of time for parties and events.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are a must-try for any cheese or bread lover. They bring together comforting, classic flavors with an easy preparation process. Whether you make them as a party appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, they are guaranteed to be a hit. With endless possibilities for customization, you can make this recipe your own by using different cheeses, spices, or fillings. Serve them warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!