Of course! These Simple Garlic Butter Cheese Bites are the ultimate easy-to-make, impossible-to-resist appetizer or snack. They are crispy on the outside, wonderfully cheesy and soft on the inside, and soaked in a glorious garlic butter sauce.
Think of them as a cross between a mini grilled cheese and a garlic knot!
Simple Garlic Butter Cheese Bites
Makes 24 bites
Ingredients
For the Cheese Bites:
· 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, “Grands” style works well)
· 4 oz (about 1 cup) block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 small cubes*
· 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· Or use 24 string cheese pieces, each cut into 3 equal pieces.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
· Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
· For serving: ½ cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into 24 small, roughly ½-inch cubes.
Step 2: Assemble the Bites
- Separate the biscuit dough into 8 biscuits. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut each biscuit into 3 equal pieces. You should have 24 small pieces of dough.
- Take one piece of dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place one cube of mozzarella in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the seams tightly to seal it completely. This is important to prevent the cheese from leaking out!
- Place the sealed ball, seam-side down, into a cup of the prepared mini muffin tin.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the bites are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
- As soon as the cheese bites come out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the warm garlic butter sauce. You can also use a spoon to drizzle it over.
- Sprinkle the hot bites with the grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra Italian seasoning.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
- Let the bites cool in the pan for just a minute or two (they will be molten lava inside!).
- Use a small spoon or offset spatula to gently lift them out of the muffin tin.
- Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Bites
· Seal Tightly: The single most important step is to make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the dough. Any holes will result in a leaky mess.
· Don’t Overbake: They are done when the dough is golden. Overbaking can cause the cheese to liquefy and burst out.
· Use Block Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it less melty and more likely to leak. A block of low-moisture mozzarella (the kind you’d use for pizza) is perfect.
· Air Fryer Option: These work great in an air fryer! Arrange them in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with garlic butter immediately after.
· Variations:
· Pepperoni Pizza Bites: Add a small slice of pepperoni inside the dough with the cheese cube.
· Everything Bagel: Brush with the garlic butter and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning before baking.
· Three-Cheese: Use a mix of mozzarella, a small piece of provolone, and a dab of cream cheese.
Enjoy these warm, gooey, and incredibly addictive little bites of cheesy heaven