Prepare to elevate your snacking game with these Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bites. Inspired by the comforting flavors of classic pizza and the irresistible texture of fluffy garlic knots, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a visually stunning and utterly satisfying creation. Get ready to impress your guests with this perfect balance of gooey, cheesy goodness and refined, artful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bites
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden-brown exterior, only to be greeted by a molten, cheese-filled center that oozes with every bite. These pizza bites seamlessly blend the satisfying heartiness of pizza with the irresistible pillowy softness of fresh garlic knots. The mozzarella filling adds a decadent, luscious element that elevates this snack into the realm of the truly craveable. Best of all, this recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to recreate, allowing you to bring gourmet comfort food into your own kitchen.
Ingredients
At the heart of this recipe are a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and a few pantry staples to bring these pizza bites to life.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons – Active dry yeast
- 1 cup – Warm water
- 3 1/2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon – Salt
- 2 tablespoons – Olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 6 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 8 ounces – Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup – Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free mozzarella: For a dairy-free twist, you can use your favorite plant-based mozzarella alternative.
- Red pepper flakes: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic knot dough for a spicier kick.
How to Make Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bites
This recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to recreate, allowing you to bring gourmet comfort food into your own kitchen.
Step 1 — Prepare the Dough
Begin by proofing the yeast in warm water, then mix the dough ingredients until a soft, pliable ball forms. Allow the dough to rise, then divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece and place a cube of mozzarella in the center before gathering the dough around it to form a stuffed ball.
Step 2 — Bake the Pizza Bites
Arrange the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet, brush them with olive oil, and bake until golden brown and irresistibly puffed. While the pizza bites are in the oven, sauté the garlic in olive oil to create a fragrant, flavor-packed topping.
Step 3 — Toss and Serve
Once the pizza bites have baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the garlic oil mixture. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful, elevated presentation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Garlic butter topping: For a more indulgent twist, try brushing the baked pizza bites with garlic-infused butter instead of the olive oil mixture.
- Cheese blends: You can experiment with different cheese fillings, such as a blend of mozzarella and parmesan or even a creamy ricotta.
- Dipping sauce: To make these bites extra-special, consider serving them alongside a zesty marinara sauce for dipping.
- Egg wash: To achieve an even crispier exterior, try brushing the shaped dough balls with a beaten egg before baking. The egg wash will help create a beautifully golden, crunchy crust.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage: Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the pizza bites in the oven or air fryer before serving to enjoy them at their freshly baked best.
Make-Ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and filling the pizza bites.
Nutrition Information
Each pizza bite is a satisfying, comfort-food treat that won’t derail your healthy eating habits. With a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and a touch of healthy fats, these bites can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet. Of course, moderation is key when indulging in these delectable creations.
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bite
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 425 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and filling the pizza bites.
Can I freeze the baked pizza bites?
Yes, you can! Once the baked pizza bites have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic, gooey cheese pull, you can experiment with other melty cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites.
Can I make these pizza bites gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid as needed to achieve the same soft, pliable dough texture.
How can I make these pizza bites extra-crispy?
To achieve an even crispier exterior, try brushing the shaped dough balls with a beaten egg before baking. The egg wash will help create a beautifully golden, crunchy crust.
Try These Next
- Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bomb
- Giant Pepperoni Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza
- Crispy Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls
Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bites
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Giant Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knot Pizza Bites are the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and garlicky flavor, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Divide the dough into small pieces, flatten each piece, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
7. Roll the dough around the cheese to form a knot and place on a baking sheet.
8. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
These bites are best served fresh out of the oven.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add pepperoni for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg