Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are savory, cheesy, and perfect for a snack or appetizer. Crispy and flavorful, they combine sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and fresh basil for a delightful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 5 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixer at medium speed, beat the shredded Cheddar cheese, softened butter, half-and-half, and kosher salt until well blended.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the mixture, beating just until combined to form a dough.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. Divide it into three equal portions, then roll each portion out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Step 5: Use a star-shaped cutter to cut the dough into shapes. Place the cut pieces 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the bites turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets on wire racks for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough before baking.
• Swap fresh basil for thyme or oregano to change the herb profile.
• Use a cookie cutter shape that matches your occasion, like hearts for a party or circles for a classic look.

Storage

Store the Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp longer, consider refrigerating and then warming briefly in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

While Cheddar and Parmesan create the best flavor, you can try similar hard cheeses like Asiago or Gruyère as alternatives, keeping in mind the flavor and texture changes.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 114 reviews

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are savory, crispy bite-sized crackers that combine the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and fresh basil. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these homemade bites bake up golden and flaky with a delightful herbaceous aroma.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 59 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 48 bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 5 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bites evenly.
2. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, beat together the shredded Cheddar cheese, softened butter, half-and-half, and kosher salt at medium speed until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh basil, beating just until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep the texture tender.
3. Roll and cut shapes: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion out to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Using a star-shaped cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place each shaped dough piece about 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper to allow for expansion during baking.
4. Bake and cool: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 11 to 14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once baked, transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and allow the Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites to cool completely on the sheets for about 30 minutes to firm up for optimal crispness.

Notes

• Use fresh basil for the best herb flavor; dried basil will not give the same vibrant taste.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens can vary; remove bites when golden to avoid overbaking.
• These bites store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk if necessary, but the texture might be slightly less rich.

Keywords: Parmesan cheddar bites, basil crackers, savory snack, cheese crackers, homemade bites, baked snack