If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack or a delightful side that everyone will rave about, Garlic Mozzarella Bites are about to steal the show. Imagine soft, golden biscuit dough hugging melty, gooey balls of mozzarella, all wrapped up in garlicky butter and crowned with even more cheese. Every single bite is pure, cheesy bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Perfection: Every Garlic Mozzarella Bite oozes with molten, stretchy mozzarella that’s wildly satisfying.
- Incredible Garlic Flavor: The buttery garlic sauce infuses each bite with irresistible savory notes.
- Quick & Easy: Thanks to canned biscuit dough, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These little cheesy bundles vanish fast, making them ideal for parties, game days, or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Garlic Mozzarella Bites is just how approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role—whether that’s creating pillowy bread, melty cheese, or that crave-worthy garlicky finish.
- Buttermilk Biscuits (2 cans, not flaky style): Using canned biscuits gives you that perfect, tender dough without any fuss—and they hold the cheesy center beautifully.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (ciliegine or cherry-size): These mini mozzarella balls melt to the most heavenly, stretchy core. Don’t worry if you can’t find them—cubed fresh mozzarella works just as well.
- Olive Oil: A little drizzle gives the garlic sauce a rich, Mediterranean base and helps everything toast up beautifully.
- Garlic (6 large cloves, minced): The star of the show—fresh garlic infuses every nook and cranny with aromatic magic.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick and wakes up all the flavors.
- Butter: Melted with olive oil, butter adds a luscious, savory depth to your bites.
- White Wine: A splash of wine adds a subtle tang and sophistication to the garlic sauce (totally optional but especially lovely).
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the savory goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): This layer over the top gives a stretchy, golden crown to each bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (shredded): A little extra tang and nuttiness—parmesan brings serious flavor and browns up to a beautiful crust.
- Fresh Basil and More Salt (to taste): For that final, fragrant, just-sprinkled finish.
Variations
Garlic Mozzarella Bites are the ultimate blank canvas—perfect for tweaking and riffing to suit your style, dietary preferences, or what’s in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment and truly make them your own!
- Spicy Jalapeño Bites: Tuck a thin slice of pickled jalapeño inside each dough ball along with the mozzarella for a fiery twist.
- Herb Lover’s Dream: Stir chopped parsley, oregano, or rosemary into the butter before dipping for a fragrant, herby finish.
- Vegan Swap: Use plant-based buttermilk biscuit dough and your favorite vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free, crowd-friendly version.
- Pepperoni-Stuffed: Add a little slice of pepperoni alongside the mozzarella for kids (and adults) who crave pizza vibes.
How to Make Garlic Mozzarella Bites
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Muffin Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly greasing a mini muffin pan so nothing sticks. This hotter-than-usual temperature gives you that perfectly golden, slightly crisp exterior on each bite.
Step 2: Wrap the Cheese in Biscuit Dough
Pop open the cans of buttermilk biscuits (don’t use the flaky variety—they won’t seal as well). Flatten each biscuit into a small disc, then drain your fresh mozzarella. Place a mozzarella ball (or cube) in the center of each disc. Gently wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching to seal and form a little pouch.
Step 3: Make the Garlicky Butter Sauce
In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then add in the butter and stir until melted. Carefully pour in white wine and a bit of salt (watch out for a little sizzle!) and let it all bubble for another minute or so, melding those gorgeous flavors together.
Step 4: Coat & Assemble
Roll each cheese-stuffed dough ball through the garlicky butter sauce so every side gets coated. Nestle them, seam side up, into the mini muffin pan. The butter not only flavors the bites but also helps them bake up beautifully.
Step 5: Top with All the Cheese
Mix together your shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Generously sprinkle this mixture on top of each dough ball—don’t worry about a little extra cheese falling off; it will get crispy and golden in the oven!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated 450°F oven for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed and golden, with molten cheese bubbling over the tops. If you like a really browned finish, give them an extra minute.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven and brush each bite with any remaining garlic butter. Shower with a sprinkle of flaky salt and plenty of torn fresh basil. Serve these Garlic Mozzarella Bites warm—the cheese pull is out of this world!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Mozzarella Bites
- Seal Them Well: Pinch the dough tight around the cheese to prevent any leaks—no one wants a mozzarella escape before it’s time!
- Use Fresh Garlic Only: For the boldest, sweetest garlic flavor, skip the jarred stuff and always use freshly minced garlic.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Topping: That glorious layer of shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top is what gives these bites their signature cheesy crust.
- Serve Hot From the Oven: Garlic Mozzarella Bites taste best while warm and gooey, so aim to serve them right after baking for the ultimate cheese pull!
How to Serve Garlic Mozzarella Bites
Garnishes
To give your Garlic Mozzarella Bites that irresistible finish, shower them with flaky sea salt, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, and a confetti of torn basil or parsley. These classic Italian garnishes add color, fragrance, and a burst of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
Balance out the decadence by pairing with a crisp green salad, a hearty bowl of soup, or a platter of fresh crudités. If you’re going all out, a side of marinara for dipping takes the garlic-and-cheese theme to another level of comfort food heaven!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer spread, pile your Garlic Mozzarella Bites on a rustic wooden board with bowls of warm dipping sauces—think classic marinara, pesto, or even a spicy ranch. Mini skewers make them easy for guests to grab, or present them in a basket lined with parchment for a cozy, shareable vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Mozzarella Bites (if you have any!) will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool to room temperature before storing to preserve that lovely texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bites! Arrange cooled, fully baked Garlic Mozzarella Bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; reheat straight from frozen whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes until the cheese is melty and the dough is revived. Avoid the microwave if possible for best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, 30 seconds on high works too.
FAQs
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Can I use a different dough for Garlic Mozzarella Bites?
Absolutely! While buttermilk biscuit dough is quick and fluffy, pizza dough or homemade bread dough work beautifully and give a chewier texture. Just make sure to pinch the edges closed well to keep all that cheese inside.
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What can I use instead of white wine in the garlic butter?
If you’d prefer not to use wine, simply swap it for an equal amount of vegetable or chicken broth. You’ll still get great flavor, and it keeps the recipe family-friendly.
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Can Garlic Mozzarella Bites be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites, arrange in the muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours ahead. When you’re ready to serve, just add the cheese topping and bake fresh.
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How do I keep the mozzarella from leaking out?
Be sure to flatten the biscuit dough evenly and seal each ball tightly—pinch and twist the seam so the cheese stays snug inside. Chilling the assembled bites for a few minutes before baking can also help.
Final Thoughts
You can never go wrong with a batch of warm, gooey Garlic Mozzarella Bites—seriously, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to any table. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite. Happy snacking!
Print
Garlic Mozzarella Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 biscuits 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Bites are a delightful appetizer or snack that combines the gooey goodness of mozzarella with the savory flavors of garlic and cheese, all wrapped in a warm, fluffy biscuit. Perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Bites:
- 2 cans buttermilk biscuits (not the flaky kind)
- 20 balls mozzarella fresca ciliegine (cherry size) or mozzarella cut into cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt and basil to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Open the can of biscuits and flatten each biscuit. Drain the liquid from the container of fresh mozzarella. Place a mozzarella ball in the center and wrap the dough around it to form a ball.
- Prepare the garlic butter: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add in the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the wine and salt, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the bites: Roll the dough balls into the garlic butter. Place them in a mini muffin pan (open side up).
- Add the cheeses: Combine the shredded mozzarella and parmesan, and pile on each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake in a 450-degree oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with salt and basil, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
