Triple Cheese Garlic Stuffed Bites (Printable)
Golden, garlic-kissed bread bites stuffed with three cheeses and parsley, warm, shareable appetizer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
03 - 1 tsp sugar
04 - 1 tsp salt
05 - ¾ cup warm water
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Cheese Filling
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
13 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Garlic Butter Finish
14 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
17 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when pressed. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.
02 - While the dough rises, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir until evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together.
03 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
04 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 18 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small circle roughly 3 inches across. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each circle, then pinch the edges firmly together to seal. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
05 - Place the stuffed dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling at the seams.
07 - While the bread bites bake, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
08 - As soon as the bread bites come out of the oven, brush each one generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The three cheese combination melts into something stretchy and savory that pulls apart like a dream.
- They look impressive on a platter but require zero fancy technique to pull off.
- Fresh garlic butter brushed on top makes them taste like they came from a bakery.
02 -
- Seal the dough edges tightly or the cheese will escape and burn on the pan during baking.
- The dough needs a full hour to rise; rushing this step results in dense heavy bites instead of light airy ones.
03 -
- Lightly oil your hands when shaping the dough to prevent sticking and get a smoother ball.
- Let the filling rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before stuffing so it firms up and is easier to handle.