Golden and crunchy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these broccoli cheese bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re irresistible crowd-pleasers for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid‑approved and veggie‑packed: Sneak broccoli into their diets under a crispy, cheesy disguise.
- Simple & quick: Ready in about 30 minutes when baked; frying option takes just a few extra minutes.
- Flexible cooking methods: Bake, fry, or even air‑fry—whichever suits your mood or kitchen setup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli (steamed and well drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil (for baking or frying)
Directions
- Prep broccoli: Steam and drain well. Finely chop or process to a crumb‑like consistency. Chill mixture for better shaping.
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape bites: Form into 1‑Tbsp balls, roll in additional breadcrumbs for crispiness. Optional: chill 45 minutes for firmer shape.
- Bake or fry:
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), arrange on parchment, spray with oil, bake 15–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry bites 90 seconds per side until crisp and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 15–18 bites (serves 4–6 as appetizer).
- Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus optional chilling)
- Cook time:
- Bake: 20–25 minutes
- Fry: ~3 minutes total
- Total time: Approx. 30 minutes (plus optional chill)
Variations
- Air‑fryer friendly: Toss with oil and air‑fry at 390 °F for 5–7 minutes. Gluten‑free: Substitute almond flour or GF breadcrumbs.
- Sauté veggies: Add finely chopped spinach, onion, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up: Include red pepper flakes, cayenne, or taco seasoning.
Storage / reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or air‑fryer to retain crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze whole or pre‑chilled bites on a tray, then transfer to bag; lasts ~1 month. Bake/fry from frozen.
- Reheat: Bake at 350 °F or air‑fry until heated and crisp—avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
1. Can I skip the breadcrumb coating?
Yes, but it enhances crunch; you may substitute panko or almond flour if preferred.
2. Fresh or frozen broccoli—what’s best?
Either works—just cook and drain thoroughly to avoid soggy bites.
3. Why chill before cooking?
Chilling firms the mixture, preventing shape collapse during cooking.
4. Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and store unbaked in fridge; bake or fry when needed.
5. What’s the ideal cooking method?
For ease, baking is great; frying adds extra golden crispness. Air‑fry is a healthy alternative.
6. How do I prevent sogginess?
Ensure broccoli is well drained, and bake (or fry) until fully golden and crisp.
7. Go dairy‑free?
Yes—use plant‑based cheeses or nutritional yeast and flour in place of cheese and breadcrumbs.
8. Can I add protein?
Sure—toss in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken before forming.
9. Are they kid‑friendly?
Highly—they’re cheesy, bite‑sized, and perfect finger food for pickier eaters.
10. What dips pair well?
Ranch, honey mustard, sour cream sauces, ketchup, or cheese sauce are all excellent options.
Conclusion
Crispy broccoli cheese bites are a delicious and versatile snack or appetizer—simple to make, full of flavor, and satisfying for all ages. Whether baked, fried, or air‑fried, they deliver that perfect crunchy exterior with a gooey, veggie‑rich interior. Make them ahead for easy entertaining, reheat to maintain crispness, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden and crunchy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these broccoli cheese bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re irresistible crowd-pleasers for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli (steamed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a pan if frying.
- In a large bowl, mix together chopped broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them in additional breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil, or fry in batches until golden brown.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or fry until crisp and cooked through, turning occasionally for even browning.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—honey mustard, ranch, or cheese sauce work great.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is finely chopped and well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- You can freeze the bites before baking for make-ahead prep.
- Adjust cheese types for different flavor profiles—try mozzarella or gouda.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *