Looking for a quick, cheesy snack or an impressive party appetizer? These Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are the perfect solution! Packed with melty cheese and fragrant fresh basil, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites
- Cheesy and Delicious: A perfect combination of parmesan and cheddar for double the flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Kid-Friendly: These bites are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites
For the Bites:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): For melty, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Brings freshness and aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory touch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Binds the dough together.
- 1 large egg: Helps the bites hold their shape.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: To mix and fold everything together.
- Mini muffin tin: For perfectly sized bites.
- Cooking spray: To prevent sticking.
How to Make Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, and chopped basil until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough into each mini muffin cup, filling it about ¾ of the way.
Step 4: Bake the Bites
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bites to cool slightly in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these bites with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip for dunking.
- Serve alongside a bowl of soup or salad for a satisfying side dish.
- Add them to a charcuterie board for a cheesy, herby element.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil if needed.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture—freshly shredded melts better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined for light and fluffy bites. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter a few hours ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place baked bites in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy edges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Try swapping cheddar with gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: Can I add other ingredients?
A: Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, diced sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped spinach for extra flavor.
Conclusion: Cheesy, Irresistible, and Easy!
These Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are everything you could want in a quick snack or appetizer—cheesy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a side dish for dinner, or just want a cheesy treat, these bites are guaranteed to disappear in no time!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bite)
Calories: 90 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 1g
Get ready to savor these warm, cheesy bites and watch them disappear faster than you can say “parmesan”!
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Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Looking for a quick, cheesy snack or an impressive party appetizer? These Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are the perfect solution! Packed with melty cheese and fragrant fresh basil, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bites:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): For melty, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Brings freshness and aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory touch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Binds the dough together.
- 1 large egg: Helps the bites hold their shape.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, and chopped basil until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough into each mini muffin cup, filling it about ¾ of the way.
Step 4: Bake the Bites
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bites to cool slightly in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil if needed.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture—freshly shredded melts better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined for light and fluffy bites. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter a few hours ahead and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
