Description
These easy cheesy garlic bread bites are the perfect game day snack—crispy, buttery, and loaded with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Ready in about 20 minutes, they are handheld, dippable, and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 16 ounces)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You should have about 5 to 6 cups of bread cubes.
- Spread the bread cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5 minutes, just until they start to turn golden around the edges.
- While the bread toasts, make the garlic butter. In a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the bread cubes from the oven. Pour the garlic butter over the warm cubes and toss gently with a spatula until every piece is coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the bread cubes. Toss again to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown in spots, and the edges of the bread are deep golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Pre-toasting the bread cubes is crucial for a crispy texture. Use day-old bread for best results. Do not skip the salt—it amplifies the other flavors. For a spicy version, stir 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the melted butter and use pepper jack cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: garlic bread bites, cheesy garlic bread, game day snack, easy appetizer, party snack