Cheesy Herb Bread Bites are a delicious way to use up stale bread and transform it into a flavorful, crispy treat. This recipe combines eggs, herbs, and cheese to create an irresistible, savory snack. With simple ingredients and a quick frying method, these bread bites are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a tasty appetizer. Plus, they can be paired with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices of stale bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your preferred cheese)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Herb Bread Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by using stale bread slices for this recipe. Stale bread is ideal because it holds its shape better when dipped in the egg mixture, absorbing the flavors while still maintaining its structure. You can use any type of bread, but thicker slices like French bread or sourdough work particularly well.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack the 2 eggs and add 1/4 cup of milk. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until the eggs and milk are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Next, add the freshly chopped 1 tablespoon of chives and 1 tablespoon of parsley into the egg mixture. The herbs not only bring a burst of color but also add freshness and aromatic flavors to the bread bites. Whisk the mixture once again to evenly distribute the herbs.
Step 3: Coat the Bread
Take each slice of stale bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are fully coated. Let the bread soak for a few seconds on each side, allowing it to absorb the egg mixture. Be sure that the bread slices don’t become too soggy; they should be well-coated but still firm enough to handle.
Step 4: Fry the Bread
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. The combination of butter and oil helps to create a golden, crispy crust while preventing the butter from burning.
Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the soaked bread slices in the pan. Fry the bread on one side for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Ensure the heat is not too high, as you want the bread to cook evenly without burning.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
After the bread has crisped up on one side, flip each slice over to cook the other side. Immediately after flipping, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each bread slice. You can use any type of cheese you prefer, but mozzarella or cheddar works wonderfully due to their excellent melting qualities. For a more complex flavor, you can combine cheeses like mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for a sharp finish.
Cover the pan with a lid to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. Let the bread cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
Step 6: Serve the Cheesy Herb Bread Bites
Once the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy on both sides, carefully remove the slices from the pan. Place them on a serving plate and serve immediately while warm and crispy. If desired, you can garnish the bread bites with extra chopped chives or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
These cheesy herb bread bites are best served hot, while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crisp. They make for a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy herb bread bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some suggestions to elevate the flavor:
- Marinara sauce: For a classic Italian twist, serve the bread bites with warm marinara sauce.
- Garlic butter: Melted garlic butter adds a rich, savory touch that complements the cheesy flavors.
- Ranch dressing: For a creamy, tangy dip, serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
Cooking Tips
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste. Try mixing Gruyère, fontina, or Swiss cheese for a gourmet touch, or use spicy pepper jack for a kick of heat.
- Bread Substitutes: If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out slightly. This will give it a better texture when soaked in the egg mixture.
- Herb Substitutions: If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dried chives, or substitute with other herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the bread bites in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the soaked bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top with cheese and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields 2-3 servings, depending on portion sizes. Below is the approximate nutrition information per serving:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 20g
These cheesy herb bread bites are an indulgent yet simple dish, combining a crispy outer layer with a warm, gooey, cheesy center. They are high in protein and provide a balanced combination of fats and carbs, making them a satisfying treat.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Herb Bread Bites are a delightful, crowd-pleasing snack that transforms basic ingredients into something special. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of crispy bread, melty cheese, and fresh herbs is irresistible.
You can customize this recipe with different cheeses, herbs, or dipping sauces, making it adaptable to any taste preference. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe, and watch these cheesy bites disappear from the table!
