Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are a delicious appetizer perfect for any event or party! They are crisp outside but soft and tender inside.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (1)

Looking for an addictive snack or appetizer? These Parmesan cheddar basil bites are a real crowd pleaser and so easy to make!

They have a crisp outside with a soft and tender inside. They aren’t a true cracker, but they are a perfect addition to a charcuterie board, for serving at wine-tastings, and anywhere else you might serve up party appetizers. Using a star cookie cutter they are pretty fabulous to serve up on New Years Eve and they pair wonderfully with champagne!

I love that you can use cookie cutters to customize them for any even or party too.Some people like to just use a pizza cutter to make squares or diamonds which really makes these quick and easy to prepare.

They are even fun to put in kids lunches for a treat.

*Updated December 15, 2021 – Note, I have not updated the recipe, it is pretty perfect as is. I just wanted to add some additional information and answer some of the most frequently asked questions directly in the post.

How to Store Cheddar Basil Bites

You can store the Parmesan cheddar basil bites in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week.

The dough does freeze well for several weeks if you want to save dough to make fresh bites later on, just store in a freezer bag.

This recipe does make a large amount of bites, if you have leftovers you won’t eat within a week you can freeze them! Just divide them out. Wrap the divided portions in plastic wrap or foil and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They should thaw out in a few hours on the counter when you are ready to enjoy them again.

Cheddar Bites Variations

Try swapping out the basil for other flavours. Some great alternatives include:

  • Rosemary
  • Oregano
  • Chives
  • Tarragon
  • Cayenne

About the Ingredients for Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

Cheese – I generally use old cheddar cheese when making these cheese crackers. I think the sharper flavour works best.

Butter – You should use unsalted butter here, but I’ll be honest and say I don’t usually keep any on hand so always use salted myself. I just halve the amount of additional salt.

Half and Half – 10% milk fat cream. If you don’t have access to this, use half milk, and full heavy whipping cream. The cream provides the moisture and the extra fat is needed, so for best results I would not swap directly with just milk.

Flour – Scoop and level your flour, sifting it if it is lumpy. Don’t pack it down or your cheese bites may end up more dense than they should be. If you don’t measure carefully and the dough ends up too dry, add a teaspoon more of the cream at a time until the dough is workable.

Parmesan cheese – You can use either freshly grated or store bought pre-grated parmesan. I kind of prefer these when I don’t use fresh parmesan.

Basil – Use only fresh herbs, you can substitute with one of the variations listed above, or get creative and come up with your own combinations!

More Delicious Appetizer Ideas:

If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out some of my favourites!

Slow Cooker Party Meatballs are a favourite appetizer at just about any gathering. This is a super easy recipe you are almost sure to make over and over again!

These Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese are a tasty holiday appetizer that will impress your guests.

These Cucumber Rollups with Fresh Herb Cream Cheese make for a nice substitution to the typical veggie tray at bbq’s and parties.

PARMESAN CHEDDAR BASIL BITES

Yields: 3 Dozen |Prep time: 20 Mins | Cook time: 11 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 5 tablespoons half-and-half (10% Milk Fat Cream)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°

Beat Cheddar cheese, butter, half-and-half, and salt at medium speed with a mixer until blended. Gradually add flour, Parmesan cheese, and basil – beating just until combined.

Turn dough onto a well floured surface. Divide into 3 equal portions, and roll to flatten each to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with star shaped cutter. Place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Bake 11 to 14 minutes or until golden; cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 30 minutes.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (6)

Yield: 36 Basil Bites

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are a delicious appetizer perfect for any event or party! They are crisp outside but soft and tender inside.

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 oven to 350°
  2. Beat Cheddar cheese, butter, half-and-half, and salt at medium speed with a mixer until blended. Gradually add flour, Parmesan cheese, and basil – beating just until combined.
  3. Turn dough onto a well floured surface. Divide into 3 equal portions, and roll to flatten each to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with star shaped cutter. Place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  4. Bake 11 to 14 minutes or until golden; cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 30 minutes.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 93Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 183mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g

This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although lifeloveliz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag your creations with #LifeLoveLiz on Instagram & subscribe for more!

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (10)
Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (11)

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (12)

Liz Lampman

Liz Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys cooking and baking, food photography, and reading.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites Recipe - Life Love Liz (2024)

FAQs

Which cheese is healthier Parmesan or cheddar? ›

Cheddar and Parmesan cheese vary slightly in nutritional values. Both are a good surce of Calcium and iron, have no added sugar, but are very high in saturated fat and sodium. Calories vary based on the type of the milk used (fat/non-fat) for making the cheese.

What's the difference between cheddar and Parmesan cheese? ›

Parmesan is well known for it's Umami rich taste. Made from cow's milk , it has it's origins in Itlay & is granular in nature.. Cheddar cheese has it's origins in Somerset, England & is aged more than 12–16 months . It is yellowish white in colour & usually crumbly in texture.

Can I use Parmesan instead of cheddar? ›

Yes. But it will taste different, if you generally like parmesan that'll probably be fine. Also using parmesan instead of cheddar can make the melt different, along with changing the strength of the cheesy flavour. If you use mature or extra mature cheddar, using parmesan will make it milder, and vice versa.

Is Parmesan a sharp cheese? ›

The cheese contains tiny crunchy granules which give it a very unique texture. The taste is slightly sharp, not unlike mildly sharp cheddar, but also very complex and layered, a bit fruity, though nutty is the predominant characteristic and most typical descriptive.

What is the most unhealthy cheese? ›

Although extremely tasty on that cheese plate, soft cheeses such as Camembert, brie and triple-crème (cheese enriched with cream) fall into the “less healthy” category because of their saturated fat content.

Which is healthier Parmesan or mozzarella cheese? ›

Although both Parmesan and mozzarella have lower fat content as compared to others; but it is mozzarella and its variations that have the lowest fat. Everything from calories to fat content and proteins is lesser in mozzarella than Parmesan.

What cheese is not as strong as Parmesan? ›

Asiago cheese is closest to Parmesan, but this cheese is actually a bit sweeter. It's a semi-hard yet smooth cheese with a slightly nutty flavor. Asiago offers a mild sharpness that doesn't overwhelm, but rather accents a mellow vegetable or meat dish.

What cheese is healthier than Parmesan? ›

Some of the healthiest cheeses are feta and goat cheese, which are better for lactose intolerance. Cottage cheese and ricotta have more than 11 grams of muscle-building protein in a single serving. Swiss cheese is naturally lower in sodium, so it is a good option for people with hypertension.

Should you refrigerate Parmesan cheese? ›

Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded cheeses, and goat cheese must be refrigerated for safety. As a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated.

Can you mix Parmesan and cheddar cheese? ›

This tasty sauce begins on the stovetop with a simple butter and flour roux (a thickening agent created by combining butter and flour and briefly stirring over heat until smooth), then combines milk, cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, dry mustard and seasoning, creating a mild creamy, cheesy sauce that adds elegance ...

Does Parmesan and cheddar taste good together? ›

Parmesan is a salty cheese with complex flavors. For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes.

Which cheese is sharper Romano or Parmesan? ›

However, there are some key differences between the two. Parmesan is made from cow's milk, while romano is made from sheep's milk. This difference in milk source gives the cheeses different flavours. Parmesan is nutty and slightly sweet, while romano is saltier and sharper.

Can you cut mold off Parmesan cheese? ›

Mold generally can't penetrate far into hard and semisoft cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, Parmesan and Swiss. So you can cut away the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) around and below the moldy spot.

What cheese is closest to Parmesan? ›

Pecorino Romano

This is the cheese that most people will reach for when Parmesan isn't in the cards. Pecorino's base flavor and texture are similar to Parmesan's, but it has a couple key differences. Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, which contains more fat than cow's milk.

Is Parmesan the healthiest cheese? ›

Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese. It's considered a particularly healthy type of cheese because it's easy to digest and full of essential nutrients, like calcium. It's also lactose-free, so it's safe for people with lactose intolerance.

Is Parmesan cheese a healthier option? ›

It's highly nutritious and can be a great choice for people who have lactose intolerance or are looking for easy-to-digest proteins. It may also support bone health. However, it's not suitable for people with a casein or cow's-milk allergy. Parmesan cheese makes a delicious addition to sweet and savory dishes alike.

Is Parmesan cheese better for you than other cheeses? ›

"Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and fat. It's rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, and copper," Leah Silberman, RDN, told INSIDER. "Harder cheeses like parmesan or provolone tend to be the best options.

What cheese is healthier than cheddar? ›

Swiss is a great lunch alternative to higher fat sandwich cheeses like provolone and cheddar. Chop up slices to use in a Cobb salad. Swiss is high in vitamin A and low in calories, fat and sodium. One ounce contains 112 calories, 9 g of fat and 53 mg of sodium.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 6562

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.