Garlic Parmesan Bites Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl whisk warm water, sugar and instant yeast. Let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl whisk warmed milk, melted butter and egg until combined.

Combine and knead

Add flour and salt to the wet mixture, then pour in the activated yeast. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes). Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add up to 1 tablespoon flour if too sticky.

First rise

Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–75 minutes.

Shape bites

Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 24 equal pieces (about 1.1 oz / 30 g each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them close together (but not touching) on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oiled 9x13 pan for a pull-apart presentation.

Second rise

Cover the arranged bites loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise 25–30 minutes until puffy.

Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Bake the bites for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Rotate halfway for even browning if using a sheet pan.

Prepare garlic butter

While bites are rising (or as they bake), melt 6 tbs butter with 1 tbs olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.

Finish butter

Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, 3 tbs grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.

Brush baked bites

As soon as bites come out of the oven, brush liberally with the warm garlic Parmesan butter, turning each bite to coat the bottom and sides as well. Let rest 2–3 minutes to allow butter to soak in.

Sprinkle the bites with the extra 2 tbs grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. If desired, lightly sprinkle 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt for contrast. Serve warm, 24 bites per batch.