Cheesy Broccoli Bites – A Crispy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed Delight

Cheesy Broccoli Bites – A Crispy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed Delight

Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, soft interior, these bites are loaded with veggies and packed with flavor. Whether baked or fried, they’re a great way to enjoy broccoli in a fun, bite-sized form. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and they’ll be gone in minutes!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Broccoli Bites:

Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a great combination of healthy vegetables and indulgent cheese, making them a hit for both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy snack, or serving a veggie side, these bites are sure to please.

Crispy on the Outside, Cheesy on the Inside: These bites have the perfect texture contrast, with a golden-brown crispiness outside and a cheesy, soft center.

Veggie-Packed: With plenty of broccoli in each bite, you get a nutritious treat that’s rich in vitamins and fiber.

Customizable: You can choose to bake or fry these bites based on your preferred level of crunch.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these bites come together quickly.

Nutritional Benefits:

Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C, K, and fiber, broccoli is a great choice for boosting immunity and supporting overall health.

Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses add calcium and protein, making the bites both tasty and filling.

Breadcrumbs: Offer a crunchy texture that complements the soft filling and provides fiber.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Bites:

2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Broccoli Mixture (Time: 5 minutes)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat if frying.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

Form the Bites (Time: 5 minutes)

Using your hands, roll the broccoli mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. After forming the balls, coat each one lightly with extra breadcrumbs for added crispiness.

Bake or Fry the Bites (Time: 15-20 minutes)

To Bake: Arrange the broccoli balls on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

To Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the broccoli balls to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy (Time: 2 minutes)

Serve the Cheesy Broccoli Bites immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or sriracha mayo.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (for baking) or 5-7 minutes (for frying)

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 12-14 bites

Calories: Approximately 70-80 kcal per bite (varies based on cooking method and portion size)

Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Bites:

Extra Crunch: For even more crunch, you can double coat the bites with breadcrumbs.

Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Make-Ahead: You can prep the broccoli bites ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Serving Ideas: These bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, garlic butter, or a tangy ranch dip.

FAQ About Cheesy Broccoli Bites:

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before chopping and using it in the recipe.

Q: Can I make these bites ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can make the broccoli bites in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake or fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I make these bites vegan?

A: To make them vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use dairy-free cheese and breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts:

Cheesy Broccoli Bites are an irresistible snack or appetizer that combines the goodness of vegetables with the deliciousness of cheese. Whether baked or fried, these crispy bites are perfect for any occasion and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Give them a try, and they’ll be a hit at your next gathering!

If you enjoyed these bites, share the recipe with your friends and let us know how they turned out in the comments! Enjoy!