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Nothing beats the irresistible allure of homemade pizza combined with the crunchy, buttery goodness of French bread—that’s exactly why the Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe has become my go-to crowd-pleaser. These bites are bursting with garlic-infused butter, melty mozzarella, and perfectly toasted bread, creating a comforting snack that’s quick to whip up and impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe, you’ll gather a mix of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own special flavor, texture, and aroma. From the rich garlic butter that saturates every bite to the gooey melted cheese on top, every element plays a starring role in this delicious dish.
- La Brea Take and Bake Demi Baguettes: These loaves offer the perfect crusty base that crisps beautifully when baked.
- Minced garlic: Adds that aromatic punch that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
- Salted butter: Brings richness and helps to carry the garlic flavor throughout each bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity undertone and helps meld the butter and garlic perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note and a vibrant pop of green.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it enhances the savory profile and adds depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the topping that melts into golden, bubbly perfection.
- Mini pepperonis or other toppings: Choose your favorites to customize the bites with extra flavor and fun.
How to Make Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing the La Brea Demi Baguettes directly on the center rack, bake them for about 9 to 10 minutes until they’re just about done and have a lovely golden-brown hue on the outside. This toasting step ensures the bread will be perfectly crisp, giving you that delightful crunch that contrasts so nicely with all the melty toppings.
Step 2: Slice the Baguettes
Once the baguettes are warm and slightly toasted, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Using a bread knife, cut each loaf lengthwise to create 8 pieces total. Lay these gently on a large baking sheet, cut side up, to get ready for the garlic butter magic.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the minced garlic, salted butter, and extra-virgin olive oil. Microwave the mixture for about one minute, or until the butter is fully melted. Give it a good stir to make sure the garlic is evenly distributed, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The combined aromas alone will have your taste buds dancing in anticipation!
Step 4: Brush and Assemble the Pizza Bites
Brush each cut side of the toasted baguettes generously with the garlic butter mixture, allowing that luscious blend to soak into every nook. Next, pile on a hearty layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, and add your choice of favorite toppings like mini pepperonis—feel free to get creative here. Top it off with a little extra cheese to ensure every bite is irresistibly gooey and cheesy.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Return the assembled baguette pieces to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and just beginning to turn golden. This final baking transforms these bites from pretty to downright crave-worthy, with every inch boasting that perfect golden-top texture.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza bites cool for just a minute, then slice them into smaller, easy-to-handle pieces. Serve them up warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for the ultimate snack or appetizer experience. Then dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!
How to Serve Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of brightness or spice to your Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavor and make the presentation shine.
Side Dishes
These pizza bites pair beautifully with easily prepared sides like a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh tomato and basil salad. Their rich, buttery, and cheesy profile balances well with anything light and fresh, making your meal complete but never overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange your bites on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces: spicy marinara, creamy ranch, or even a zesty pesto. For a more casual vibe, serve them stacked in a basket with parchment paper or on a colorful ceramic plate to invite everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply place the pizza bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these pizza bites by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, giving you a quick snack option anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy and prevent the toppings from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
While La Brea Demi Baguettes work wonderfully for their perfect crust and size, you can substitute with any sturdy French or Italian bread. Just make sure it toasts well and holds up under the toppings.
What toppings work best on these pizza bites?
Mini pepperonis are a classic choice, but feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, olives, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. This recipe is super flexible!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free butter and mozzarella alternatives available in most grocery stores. Nutritional yeast can also be a great sprinkle substitute for Parmesan cheese to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These bites are a great finger food perfect for kids and adults alike. Simply choose mild toppings to keep things kid-approved and watch them disappear fast.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Skip any meat toppings and load up on vegetables and cheeses. It’s just as delicious and perfect for any vegetarian crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you love the combination of buttery garlic bread and cheesy pizza, you simply must try this Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect any time you want a comforting snack or a simple, shareable appetizer. Trust me, once you make these bites, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection—and your kitchen will smell incredible while they bake!
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Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter French Bread Pizza Bites combine crispy demi baguettes with a rich garlic butter spread, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect as a quick appetizer or snack, they offer a delightful blend of savory flavors with an easy baking process.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 loaves La Brea Take and Bake Demi Baguettes (1 package)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- toppings such as mini pepperonis (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 385°F to prepare for baking the bread and pizza bites.
- Bake Baguettes: Place the La Brea Demi Baguettes directly on the oven’s center rack and bake for 9-10 minutes until they are nearly done and browned, achieving a slightly crispy crust.
- Slice Bread: Remove the baguettes from the oven and slice each lengthwise with a bread knife. Place the 8 cut pieces on a large baking sheet and set aside for topping.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine minced garlic, salted butter, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Melt Mixture: Microwave the garlic butter mixture for about one minute until fully melted, then stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese into the melted garlic butter mixture.
- Brush Bread: Generously brush each cut side of the bread pieces with the prepared garlic butter mixture to infuse flavor.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Cover each bread piece with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then add your favorite toppings such as mini pepperonis, and sprinkle a bit more mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake Pizza Bites: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly and golden.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven, cut the baguette halves into bite-sized slices suitable for serving.
- Serve with Dips: Offer ranch or marinara sauce alongside for dipping, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful garlic butter French bread pizza bites as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can customize the pizza toppings based on personal preference such as adding vegetables or different meats.
- Using fresh parsley enhances the flavor but dried parsley can be substituted if needed, using half the amount.
- Ensure not to overbake the bread initially to maintain a soft interior for easy slicing and topping application.
- These pizza bites are best served immediately for optimal crispness and cheese melted texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
