Easy Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe That Everyone Will Love

These crispy parmesan cheddar basil bites pack a flavor punch that elevates ordinary appetizers into culinary excitement.

Cheese lovers instantly recognize the irresistible combination of sharp and creamy textures dancing across their palate.

Each delectable morsel combines robust aged parmesan with smooth melting cheddar, elevated by fragrant herb notes.

Small yet powerful, these savory morsels promise to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing snack.

The golden-brown exterior offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a rich, nuanced interior.

Smart home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something spectacularly delicious.

Prepare to win over every guest with these irresistible little flavor bombs.

Why Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Are a Snack Favorite

• Burst with Cheesy Flavor: These bite-sized treats pack an incredible punch of Cheddar and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, bold taste that cheese lovers will absolutely adore.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whipping up these crackers takes minimal effort, with simple mixing and cutting techniques that make them perfect for busy home cooks or last-minute entertaining.
• Elegant Texture Delight: The star-shaped cutouts and crisp golden edges provide a delightful crunch, making these bites both visually appealing and satisfyingly crisp when you bite into them.
• Fresh Herb Twist: The addition of fresh basil gives these cheese bites a subtle, aromatic herb flavor that elevates them from ordinary crackers to something truly special and gourmet.

What You’ll Need for Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that provides a rich, tangy base for the bites.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged, salty cheese that adds depth and a nutty flavor to the mixture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky texture.
• Half-and-Half: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural component that helps hold the bites together and creates a crisp texture.
• Basil: Fresh herb that introduces a bright, aromatic flavor to the cheese bites.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the bites.

Making Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F to create the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Blend

• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Half-and-half
• Salt

Beat at medium speed until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Create the Dough

• Flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Basil

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Surface

Sprinkle a clean work surface generously with flour. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Bites

Roll each portion of dough until it’s 1/8 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to create cute bite-sized shapes.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the star-shaped bites 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bites cool completely on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. This helps them set and develop a crisp texture.

Enjoy these delightful Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites as a tasty snack or appetizer!

Helpful Hints for Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Chill Dough for Flakiness: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect Flour Dusting: Use a light touch when flouring the surface to prevent tough, dense bites that lack delicate crumb.
• Consistent Cutting Technique: Press the star-shaped cutter straight down without twisting to maintain clean, sharp edges on each bite.
• Watch Browning Carefully: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown color without burning the delicate edges.
• Storage Secret: Store completely cooled bites in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their crisp texture for up to 5 days.

Best Ways to Store Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Refrigerate: Store cooled Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Seal tightly to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption. These delicate bites will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Carefully layer bites between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they'll keep for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them soggy. Crisp edges and rich cheese flavor will return, making leftovers taste freshly baked.

What Pairs with Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the cheesy, herbal notes of these delicate bites, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Match with Charcuterie: Serve these savory crackers alongside prosciutto, salami, and a selection of cured meats to create a sophisticated appetizer spread that highlights the basil and cheese flavors.
• Dip and Delight: Prepare a creamy herb-infused dip like garlic aioli or sundried tomato spread to enhance the basil undertones and provide a luxurious texture contrast to the crisp crackers.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the crackers' richness and add a refreshing element to your appetizer course.

Fresh Variations of Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

• Herby Garlic Bites: Enhance the recipe by adding minced garlic and extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a robust, aromatic flavor profile.
• Spicy Pepper Cheese Rounds: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the dough for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings excitement to the classic cheese bite.
• Mediterranean Olive Crackers: Mix in finely chopped kalamata olives and a sprinkle of dried oregano to transform these bites into a Mediterranean-inspired savory snack with rich, tangy notes.
• Rosemary Parmesan Crisps: Replace basil with finely chopped fresh rosemary and add a light dusting of cracked black pepper for an elegant, earthy variation that elevates the original recipe.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites bring Italian-inspired cheese elegance to snack lovers. Crisp golden edges and aromatic herb notes make these miniature appetizers perfect companions for casual gatherings or sophisticated cocktail parties.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (595 ml)
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese (355 ml)

Baking Base Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (355 ml)
• 0.5 cup butter, softened (118 ml)
• 5 tablespoons half-and-half (75 ml)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Herb Ingredient:

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (45 ml)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a clean, flat work surface with a light dusting of all-purpose flour.
2. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend sharp cheddar cheese, softened unsalted butter, half-and-half cream, and salt until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh basil into the cheese mixture, mixing gently until the ingredients are just combined and form a cohesive dough.
4. Transfer the dough onto the floured work surface and divide it into three equal portions using a sharp knife or pastry scraper.
5. Roll each portion of dough using a rolling pin, carefully flattening to approximately 1/8 inch (3 millimeters) thickness, ensuring an even surface.
6. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut precise shapes from the rolled dough and arrange them 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
7. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 14 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color that indicates perfect crispness.
8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cheese bites to cool completely on wire racks for 30 minutes, which helps them set and develop a crisp texture.

Notes

• Prep these savory bites ahead of time, storing unbaked cutouts in the freezer for up to a month for quick entertaining.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal texture of the cheese pastry.
• Choose freshly grated Parmesan and sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity and authentic cheesy richness.
• Star-shaped cutters create a whimsical presentation, but any small shape works perfectly for cocktail parties or appetizer spreads.
• Golden edges signal perfectly baked bites – watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Allow complete cooling to develop crisp texture and enhance the delicate cheese and basil flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 395 mg
• Fat: 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 12.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.7 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 11.2 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg