Parmesan Bread Bites

This homemade version of Domino's Parmesan Bread Bites brings the beloved restaurant appetizer right to your kitchen. These golden, cheesy bites pack all the garlic-Parmesan flavor of the original but taste even better fresh from your own oven. Perfect for game days, movie nights, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears in minutes.

I first made these during a family pizza night when I realized we forgot to order our usual bread bites. My homemade version was such a hit that my kids now insist we make these instead of ordering takeout.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Fresh store bought dough works beautifully but refrigerated tube dough can work in a pinch
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The pre-grated stuff simply cannot compare to the rich nutty flavor of freshly grated
• Garlic powder: Provides that signature savory flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic brings
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and creates that beautiful golden exterior
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds complexity and authentic Italian flavor to every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Allow your oven to fully preheat for at least 10 minutes to ensure consistent baking.

Form the dough pieces:

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into approximately 2-inch square pieces. You can also simply pinch off small pieces and roll them into balls between your palms if you prefer a more rustic shape.

Create the coating mixture:

In a shallow bowl, thoroughly combine 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Coat the dough:

Brush each dough piece lightly but completely with olive oil. This helps the seasoning adhere and creates that beautiful golden crust. Roll each oiled piece in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure maximum coating adhesion.

Arrange and bake:

Place the coated dough pieces on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through.

Rest and serve:

Allow the bread bites to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a serving dish. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the molten centers.

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My absolute favorite thing about these bread bites is how the Parmesan creates these incredibly crispy, almost lacy edges around each piece. It reminds me of the cheese skirt you get on a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. My daughter calls them cheese halos and always picks out the extra crispy ones first.

Make Ahead Options

These bread bites can be prepared in advance to save time during busy entertaining. Prepare the dough pieces and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the uncoated dough pieces for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then continue with the oil and seasoning steps before baking.

Serving Suggestions

While these bread bites are delicious on their own, they reach new heights when paired with the right dipping sauces. Warm marinara sauce provides a classic Italian pairing, while ranch dressing offers a creamy contrast to the savory bites. For something different, try a pesto dip, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an unexpected kick that complements the Parmesan beautifully.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is wonderful, but don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor profiles. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat, swapping Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese, or mixing in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can even add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a dash of truffle oil to the olive oil for an upscale twist on this simple favorite.

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These Parmesan Bread Bites will quickly become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these Parmesan bread bites?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this and saves time. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Allow it to come to room temperature before working with it for easier handling.

→ What can I serve with Parmesan bread bites?

These bread bites pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or alfredo sauce. They're also excellent alongside pasta dishes, salads, or as part of an appetizer spread.

→ Can I make these bread bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough balls with seasoning and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, bake them just before serving as they taste best warm and fresh from the oven.

→ How should I store leftover Parmesan bread bites?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the Parmesan topping?

Absolutely! Try adding dried herbs like basil or oregano, red pepper flakes for heat, or even a little garlic salt. For extra indulgence, mix in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan cheese.

→ What's the best way to shape the bread bites evenly?

Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into equal strips, then cut those strips into small squares. Roll each square between your palms to form balls. For perfect uniformity, use a tablespoon measure as a guide.