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Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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