Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are soft, golden pizza dough bites filled with gooey garlic cheese curds, brushed with garlic herb butter, and topped with parmesan. I like serving them warm with marinara for an easy appetizer, party snack, or cozy family treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
5 Tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 Tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
1 ½ pounds pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
5 ounces garlic-flavored cheese curds
¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F with a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside.
In a small pot, I melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat with the minced garlic and parsley. I keep the heat gentle and do not let it simmer.
I divide the pizza dough into 18 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball about 1 ½ inches wide.
I flatten each dough ball into a 3-inch round, then place 1 to 2 cheese curds in the center.
I wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
I carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, then melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the bottom and coat the pan.
I place the stuffed dough balls seam-side down in the skillet. Then I pour the garlic herb butter over the top and brush it evenly across the dough.
I sprinkle the parmesan over the bites and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.
I serve them warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 484 kcal per serving
Variations
I like swapping the garlic cheese curds with mozzarella cubes for a classic cheesy center. I can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat. For extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover bread bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven until warmed through. I prefer the oven because it helps the dough stay soft inside and slightly crisp outside.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, I use store-bought pizza dough when I want this recipe to be faster and easier.
Can I use mozzarella instead of cheese curds?
Yes, I can use small mozzarella cubes if I do not have garlic-flavored cheese curds.
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
I like using cast iron because it gives the bites a golden bottom, but I can also use an oven-safe baking dish.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I can assemble the bites a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate them until I am ready to bake.
What sauce goes best with these bread bites?
I like marinara or pizza sauce best, but garlic butter or ranch also works well.
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites are warm, buttery, cheesy, and easy to share. I love making them when I want a simple appetizer that feels comforting and fun, especially served fresh from the oven with marinara for dipping.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, golden pizza dough bites stuffed with gooey garlic cheese curds, brushed with garlic herb butter, and topped with parmesan. Perfect served warm with marinara for an easy, shareable appetizer.
Ingredients
5 Tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 Tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
1 ½ pounds pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
5 ounces garlic-flavored cheese curds
¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F with a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside.
- In a small pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat with the minced garlic and parsley. Do not let it simmer.
- Divide the pizza dough into 18 equal pieces and roll each into a ball about 1 ½ inches wide.
- Flatten each dough ball into a 3-inch round and place 1 to 2 cheese curds in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the bottom, coating the pan.
- Place the stuffed dough balls seam-side down in the skillet.
- Pour the garlic herb butter over the top and brush evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle the parmesan over the bites and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
Swap garlic cheese curds with mozzarella cubes for a classic version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top before baking for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
