Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites are the perfect combination of warm, buttery, garlicky goodness with melty cheese, all in easy-to-eat bite-sized pieces. These are great for parties, movie nights, or just a quick snack! Here’s how you can make these irresistible cheesy bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread (or baguette), cut into 1-inch slices
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick slices. You can cut them straight or on a diagonal for larger pieces.
- Arrange the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
4. Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the tops of each bread slice with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure the garlic and butter are evenly spread.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle each slice of bread with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake:
- Bake the bread bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the cheesy garlic bread bites with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
- Let them cool for a minute, then serve warm!
Tips:
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If you want a cheesier bite, feel free to add more mozzarella or try a combination of cheeses, like provolone or cheddar.
- Garlic Levels: Adjust the garlic to your preference—add more for a stronger garlic flavor or use garlic powder for a subtler taste.
- Use Different Bread: You can also make these bites with other types of bread like ciabatta or Italian bread for a different texture and flavor.
- Add a Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking for a little spice.
Enjoy!
These Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, combining the best of garlic bread and cheesy goodness in one easy-to-eat, delicious bite! Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Would you like more variations or dipping sauce suggestions to go with these?
