Thick Brush Stroke

Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites

1. In the bowl of a stand-up mixer or in a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand, add the warm water followed by the yeast. Allow to proof for ten minutes until there is a foamy layer on top. 

2. Fit the stand-up mixer with a dough hook. At low speed, mix in the butter and salt. Continue mixing while gradually adding the flour. Mix for 7-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. 

3. Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm location for about one hour or until double in size. 4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray and set aside.

5. Punch the dough down then transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it several times. Flatten it out with your hands or use a rolling pin to roll the dough to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch strips then cut the dough strips into 1-inch pieces. Transfer the dough bites to the baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow to rise a second time for about one hour or until double in size.

6. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. 7. Brush half of the butter atop the bread bites then sprinkle with the minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes (optional) and bake for 12-14 minutes until slightly golden brown.

8. Stir the parsley into the remaining butter. 9. Transfer the bread bites to a wire cooling rack and immediately brush with the remaining butter and sprinkle with parmesan. Rest for five minutes then serve warm with marinara for dipping.

Great with soup, salad, and pizza!!!