Description of this recipe: These Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bites are the ultimate comfort food appetizer or side dish, offering a delightful combination of warm, fluffy biscuit dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a savory garlic butter coating. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, making them incredibly addictive and perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, satisfying cravings for both cheesy and buttery goodness.
Why you will love this recipe: What’s not to love about these cheesy, buttery bites of pure joy? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The combination of the soft, slightly sweet biscuit dough with the molten mozzarella cheese is simply divine. The garlic butter adds a layer of savory richness that elevates the entire experience. Plus, they are versatile, pairing perfectly with marinara sauce, pesto, or simply enjoyed on their own. These cheese bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly, leaving everyone reaching for more! They’re the ideal appetizer to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, and they are equally satisfying as a comforting snack on a cozy night in. The recipe is also easily customizable; you can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe to be a resounding success. The aroma of garlic and butter filling your kitchen as these bake is reason enough to try them!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits) | 1 (16 oz) can |
| Mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 equal cubes | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | For garnish (optional) |
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the cheese bites will bake evenly and the dough will rise properly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cheese bites from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. It also helps to ensure that the bottoms of the bites don’t get too browned. Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough into 8 individual biscuits. Carefully remove the biscuits from the can, being mindful of the pressurized container. Flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch round circle. You can use your fingers or a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Fill with Cheese Place one cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each biscuit dough round. Ensure that the mozzarella cubes are approximately the same size for consistent cheesiness in each bite. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, pinching tightly to seal. This is the most crucial step in preventing the cheese from oozing out during baking. Make sure the dough is completely sealed around the cheese. Roll the dough into a ball to fully encase the cheese. This helps to distribute the cheese evenly and creates a smooth, appealing shape. Place the filled dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This prevents the cheese bites from sticking together during baking and allows for proper air circulation.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried oregano, and salt until well combined. This garlic butter mixture is the key to the savory flavor of these cheese bites. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, and ensure that the butter is fully melted for easy mixing.
Step 4: Bake the Cheese Bites Brush the tops of the cheese bites with half of the garlic butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps the cheese bites to brown beautifully. Be generous with the garlic butter, ensuring that each bite is fully coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on the cheese bites during baking, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. The cheese bites are ready when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter. This second coating of garlic butter enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful sheen to the finished cheese bites.
Step 5: Serve Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note that complements the garlic butter and mozzarella cheese perfectly. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying on their own. These cheese bites are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is still melted and gooey. Marinara sauce is a classic pairing, but they are also delicious with pesto, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties and gatherings.
- Pair with marinara sauce, pesto, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Serve as a side dish alongside pasta, pizza, or salad.
- Enjoy as a comforting snack on a cozy night in.
- Add to a bread basket for a special touch.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
- Brush the cheese bites with an egg wash before baking for a shinier crust.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
- Make a large batch and freeze the unbaked cheese bites for future use.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate) Calories: 250 Protein: 10g Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
These Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bites are a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. The combination of soft biscuit dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory garlic butter is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these cheesy, buttery bites of pure happiness! Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
Question and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of biscuit dough?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of biscuit dough. However, keep in mind that different biscuit doughs may have different baking times and textures. For example, using a flaky biscuit dough may result in a slightly different texture than using a more dense biscuit dough. Adjust baking times accordingly to ensure the cheese bites are fully cooked and golden brown.
Q2: Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh garlic?
A: While pre-minced garlic can be a convenient option, using freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. Freshly minced garlic has a more pungent and aromatic flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the cheese bites. If you do use pre-minced garlic, be sure to check the expiration date and use it sparingly, as it can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste.
Q3: Can I add other herbs or spices to the garlic butter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the garlic butter with your favorite herbs and spices. Some great options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme. Experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.
Q4: How do I store leftover cheese bites?
A: Leftover cheese bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated and the cheese is melted.
Q5: Can I freeze these cheese bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cheese bites for longer storage. To freeze, place the baked cheese bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cheese bites to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
