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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a clean, flat work surface with a light dusting of all-purpose flour.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the dough onto the floured work surface and divide it into three equal portions using a sharp knife or pastry scraper.
- Roll each portion of dough using a rolling pin, carefully flattening to approximately 1/8 inch (3 millimeters) thickness, ensuring an even surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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