Feta & Basil Pizza Bites ππΏ
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 90.3 per serving
Description:
Looking for a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack? These Feta & Basil Pizza Bites are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, featuring the aromatic combination of feta cheese, fresh basil, and tomatoes. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy night in, these bites will surely impress your guests with their burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 1 plum tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 French bread loaf, sliced into 12 rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go once your pizza bites are assembled.
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Prepare cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano leaves, dried parsley flakes, and fresh ground pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a flavorful cheese mixture.
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Slice the bread: Take the French bread loaf and slice it into 12 round slices, each about 1/2-inch thick. This will serve as the base for your pizza bites.
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Assemble the pizza bites: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each slice with a thin slice of plum tomato, followed by a brush of olive oil over the tomato.
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Add the cheese mixture: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the prepared cheese mixture on top of each tomato slice, spreading it evenly to cover the surface of the bread.
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Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the pizza bites for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese mixture is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
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Finish with basil: Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the shredded fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza bites. The residual heat will help release the fragrant aroma of the basil, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the bites.
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Serve and enjoy: Arrange the Feta & Basil Pizza Bites on a serving platter and serve them warm to your eager guests. These bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so be prepared for them to disappear quickly!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 90.3
- Total Fat: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 11.8mg
- Sodium: 264mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugars: 0.9g
- Protein: 3.7g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize these pizza bites with your favorite toppings, such as sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian-friendly option, you can omit the garlic and substitute it with a pinch of garlic powder, or simply leave it out altogether.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- These Feta & Basil Pizza Bites can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crispiness.
