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If you have a soft spot for gooey, garlicky, cheesy indulgence, then you are going to fall head over heels in love with the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe. This dish combines the irresistible aroma of fresh garlic, the perfect buttery crust made from pizza dough, and a heavenly blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to make yet impressive in flavor, these cheese fingers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, party appetizer, or an addictive treat alongside your favorite meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating that wonderfully fluffy, flavorful, and cheesy experience. From the buttery base to the fresh herbs and cheeses, this simple list ensures that every bite bursts with mouthwatering goodness.
- 1 package pizza dough: The soft yet sturdy foundation that holds all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic flavor throughout the dough.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic that delivers that irresistible savory punch.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully creating that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast that enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a fragrant, slightly earthy flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and heightens all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This small prep step ensures your garlic cheese fingers come out perfectly crispy on the bottom without any fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, dried oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until these flavors blend into a luscious garlic butter mixture that will coat the dough in pure magic.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Take your pizza dough and gently roll it onto the prepared baking sheet into a rectangular or square shape—whichever you prefer. If you love that little textural contrast, pinch the edges lightly to form a crust for an extra delicious touch.
Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter
Brush the entire surface of the dough generously with the garlic butter mixture. This step is where the dough soaks up all those irresistible garlicky, buttery flavors that make this the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered dough, then add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. These cheeses melt and meld together beautifully during baking, creating the ultimate cheesy blanket.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your cheesy creation into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for golden-brown edges and bubbly, slightly browned cheese—this signals your garlic cheese fingers are ready to come out and wow everyone.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool just a few minutes. Then cut into fingers or strips and serve warm for that melty, savory goodness that makes this the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe.
How to Serve Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or even some red pepper flakes on top before serving to add a burst of vibrant color and a touch of heat that complements the cheesy, garlicky flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cheese fingers pair wonderfully with a bright, crunchy green salad or a tangy marinara dipping sauce. They also complement hearty soups or stews, making them an all-around fantastic addition to many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, arrange the fingers in a circular pattern on a platter around a small bowl of garlic or tomato sauce for dipping. You could also serve them stacked in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy, inviting presentation that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly tasty and make for an excellent snack or quick lunch aid.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked garlic cheese fingers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag for best results. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the fingers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving as much as possible to preserve that delightful crust and texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and adds a personal touch to the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly for consistent baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free version available at most stores or make your own gluten-free dough. The taste and texture will still be delicious.
Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Definitely. Try combining Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Fontina for varied flavors. Just keep in mind mozzarella provides that great melting quality essential to the recipe.
How can I make these cheese fingers spicier?
Add finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking. This gives a fiery kick that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky base.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
You sure can. Mix it up a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on your dough for best flavor and ease of application.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and addictive about the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe, and I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself. It’s easy, quick, and delivers big on flavor every single time. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring it solo, these garlic cheese fingers will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are a deliciously cheesy and garlicky appetizer or snack. Made with soft pizza dough coated in a flavorful garlic butter, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked to golden perfection, these finger-sized treats are perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangular or square form according to your preference. Optionally, pinch the edges of the dough to form a crust which will add a nice finish.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the dough, ensuring a uniform layer so every bite is cheesy.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the garlic cheese fingers for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the edges of the dough turn golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbly, slightly browned topping.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the garlic cheese fingers cool for a few minutes. Cut the baked dough into finger-sized strips and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking if you like a hint of heat.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is not available—just use about one-third of the quantity.
- Make sure to monitor the baking time as ovens vary; you want the cheese bubbly but not burnt.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- If using homemade pizza dough, let it rest and rise according to your dough recipe before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
