Golden Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe: Irresistible Snacks

These irresistible parmesan cheddar basil bites spark joy with every delectable morsel.

Cheese lovers rejoice at the crispy exterior that gives way to a molten, herb-infused center.

Sharp parmesan and mellow cheddar create a tantalizing flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Fresh basil adds a vibrant green note, lifting the entire appetizer from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of cheesy richness and aromatic herbs.

The simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both elegant and comforting.

Serve these golden gems at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the bites.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, flaky texture.
• Half-and-Half: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty undertone and enhances overall cheesiness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps bind the dough together.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the savory cheese flavors.

• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, aromatic herb note that complements the cheesy base.

Tools to Prep Cheesy Basil Bites

• Mixer: Essential for blending cheese, butter, and other ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheets: Needed to bake and cool the cheese bites.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of bites.
• Star-shaped cutter: Creates uniform, decorative shapes for the bites.
• Wire racks: Helps cool baked bites evenly.
• Rolling pin: Helps flatten dough to consistent 1/8 inch thickness.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing bowl: Holds ingredients while mixing.

How to Bake Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Cheese Blend

Combine cheddar, butter, cream, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whip the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy texture.

• Dough Formation

Gently fold in flour, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Mix delicately to create a soft, fragrant dough.

• Shaping Magic

Dust your work surface with flour. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each section until thin and delicate, about paper-thin thickness.

• Starry Cutouts

Use a festive star-shaped cutter to create playful bite-sized pieces. Arrange the delicate stars on a lined baking sheet, allowing a little breathing room between each.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a warm oven heated to 350°F. Watch as the edges turn a beautiful golden color, indicating they’re perfectly crisp.

• Cooling Moment

Let the cheesy bites rest on the baking sheet, allowing them to settle and develop a satisfying crunch. After about 30 minutes, they’ll be ready to enjoy.

Tips for Getting Cheesy Basil Bites Just Right

• Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked stars for up to 1 month, allowing for quick and convenient entertaining.
• Swap the star-shaped cutter for other fun shapes like circles, hearts, or small triangles to match seasonal themes or party decorations.
• Replace basil with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create exciting new taste dimensions that complement different meal styles.
• Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking to give these crispy bites an extra kick of flavor and texture.

Presenting Parmesan Bites for Any Occasion

• Pair with Aperitifs: Serve these crispy, cheesy bites alongside chilled white wine or sparkling champagne for an elegant appetizer experience.
• Create a Dipping Station: Offer herb-infused olive oil, marinara sauce, or tangy ranch dressing to complement the rich basil and cheese flavors.
• Cheese Board Enhancement: Arrange these star-shaped crackers on a rustic wooden board with soft cheeses, olives, and cured meats for a stunning party spread.
• Morning Brunch Companion: Crumble these bites over scrambled eggs or serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a delightful morning meal.

Saving Extras of Cheddar Basil Bites Easily

• Maximize Freshness: Store these delicate Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them crisp and flavorful.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully stack cooled bites between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain quality for 2-3 months, ready for quick snacking or entertaining.
• Revive Crispness: Quickly refresh slightly softened crackers by warming in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, restoring their delightful crunch and bringing back their just-baked texture.
• Smart Portioning: Divide batches into small zip-lock bags or portion containers for easy grab-and-go snacks, lunch additions, or unexpected guest appetizers.

Crispy Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Savory parmesan cheddar basil bites offer a delightful blend of rich cheese and aromatic herbs. Crispy edges and melted centers make these appetizers perfect for gatherings where guests crave small, flavorful nibbles you’ll want to devour.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (595 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) butter, softened
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) half-and-half
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) basil, fresh, finely chopped
• 1 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and dust work surface lightly with flour for dough handling.
2. Mixing Base: Combine sharp cheddar, softened butter, half-and-half cream, and salt using electric mixer until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Dough Formation: Gently fold in flour, Parmesan, and fresh basil until ingredients blend into a cohesive dough, avoiding overmixing.
4. Shaping Process: Divide dough into three equal portions, roll each section to 1/8-inch thickness on floured surface, ensuring even distribution.
5. Cutting and Positioning: Use star-shaped cookie cutter to create precise shapes, strategically placing cutouts 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Baking Technique: Position sheets in preheated oven, monitoring for golden-brown edges that signal perfect crispness, typically requiring 11-14 minutes of baking time.
7. Cooling Stage: Transfer baked cheese bites to wire racks, allowing complete cooling for 30 minutes to enhance texture and set crisp edges.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and cheeses are at room temperature for smooth, even blending and optimal dough consistency.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cheese bites; mix just until ingredients barely combine.
• Precise Rolling Crucial: Use a ruler or guide to maintain consistent 1/8-inch thickness for uniform baking and crispy texture.
• Cooling Patience Required: Let cheese bites cool completely on wire racks to develop maximum crispness and prevent soggy bottoms.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg