Cheesy Garlic Bites

These DIY copycat Domino's Parmesan Bread Bites bring the popular takeout treat straight to your home. The crispy, garlicky nuggets pack intense cheesy goodness and taste way better fresh out of your kitchen. They're the perfect bite-sized snack for watching sports, enjoying movie time, or whenever you need an easy crowd-pleaser that vanishes quickly.

I whipped these up during our family's pizza evening when we forgot to add bread bites to our delivery order. My homemade version was such a success that the kids now beg me to make these instead of getting them from restaurants.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Ready-made store dough works great though canned refrigerated dough can sub in when you're rushed
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Skip the pre-packaged stuff - hand-grated brings so much more rich, nutty flavor
• Garlic powder: Gives that classic taste without burning like fresh garlic might
• Olive oil: Helps everything stick and creates that gorgeous golden outside
• Italian seasoning: This mixed herb blend adds depth and authentic flavor in every chunk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat your oven:

Get your oven going at 400°F (200°C) and put parchment on a baking tray. The paper stops sticking and makes cleanup super easy. Let the oven warm up completely for at least 10 minutes to make sure everything bakes evenly.

Cut your dough:

Stretch the pizza dough on a slightly floured counter until it's roughly 1/2 inch thick. With a knife or pizza cutter, slice into 2-inch squares. If you want, you can just tear off small chunks and roll them into balls in your hands for a more rustic look.

Mix your seasonings:

In a wide, shallow dish, blend together 1/2 cup fresh-grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Stir until everything's well combined so each bite gets equal flavor.

Oil and season:

Brush a light coat of olive oil all over each piece of dough. This makes the seasonings stick and helps them turn golden. Then roll each oily piece through the Parmesan mix, pressing slightly so plenty sticks.

Set up and bake:

Put the coated dough bits on your lined baking sheet, keeping about an inch between them so they can grow. Bake them for 12-15 minutes, until they're nicely golden on top and fully cooked inside.

Cool and enjoy:

Let the bread bites sit on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a plate. This quick cooling lets the cheese firm up a bit so you won't burn your mouth on the hot centers.

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What I love most about these bread bites is how the Parmesan makes super crunchy, lacy edges around each piece. It's like that cheese crust you get on a really good grilled cheese sandwich. My little girl calls them cheese halos and always grabs the crunchiest ones first.

Make Ahead Options

You can get these bread bites ready ahead of time when you're busy hosting. Cut the dough pieces and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze the plain dough chunks for up to 3 months. When you want to use them, just thaw overnight in your fridge, then finish with oil and seasonings before popping them in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These bread bites taste great by themselves, but they're even better with some tasty dips. Hot marinara sauce makes a traditional Italian combo, while ranch dressing gives a creamy contrast to the savory bits. For something different, try dipping in pesto, melted garlic butter, or even spicy mayo with sriracha that works surprisingly well with the Parmesan flavor.

Flavor Variations

The standard recipe works great, but feel free to play around with different tastes. Add some red pepper flakes if you want heat, swap the Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino cheese, or mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. You might even try sprinkling everything bagel mix on top or adding a few drops of truffle oil to the olive oil for a fancy spin on this simple favorite.

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These Parmesan Bread Bites will soon become a staple in your cooking lineup!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to use pre-made pizza dough for these bites?

Totally! Store-bought dough works great and saves time. Check the refrigerated section in your supermarket. Just let it sit at room temperature before handling for ease.

→ What’s good to serve alongside these cheesy bites?

Pair them with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or even alfredo. They also go well with salads, pasta, or as part of a snack platter.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Shape and season the bread pieces, then pop them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. For the best taste, bake them fresh just before digging in. Warm bites can’t be beat!

→ What’s the best way to store extras?

Keep leftover bites in a sealed container at room temp for two days. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

→ Can I tweak the Parmesan topping a bit?

Of course! Sprinkle in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, or garlic salt for more kick. You can even add shredded mozzarella to make them extra cheesy.

→ How do I keep the sizes of the bites consistent?

Cut even strips of dough with a pizza cutter, then chop those into small squares. Roll each square into a ball. If you want precision, use a tablespoon measurer to guide sizes.