Broccoli Cheese Bites are little pieces of joy! Packed with crunchy broccoli and gooey cheese, they make a tasty snack or side dish that’s so easy to whip up.
You’ll love how these bites are great for kids and adults alike. Trust me, even broccoli haters might end up asking for seconds! 😄 I usually enjoy them with a dipping sauce for an extra yum factor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for flavor and nutrition. You can use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain the excess moisture!
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. A flaxseed meal or chia seed substitute can work too—just mix 1 tablespoon of either with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until gel-like.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but if you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. For added crunch, panko breadcrumbs are also a good choice!
How Can I Ensure My Broccoli Cheese Bites Hold Together?
To keep your bites from falling apart, the mixing and binding is key! Start with well-chopped broccoli, and make sure it’s not too wet after steaming. You want a sticky mixture, so if it’s too dry, add a little more egg or cheese.
- Mix your ingredients thoroughly to ensure even binding.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes; this helps with binding too.
- Roll your bites compactly and coat them well for added structure, especially if frying.
Also, don’t skip the chilling step! If you can, refrigerate the formed bites for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and keeps them together while cooking!
How to Make Delicious Broccoli Cheese Bites!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying if baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 20-25 minutes for baking or frying. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes to enjoy these yummy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
If you’re planning to bake your broccoli cheese bites, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If frying them, get your skillet ready with some cooking oil heated over medium heat.
2. Cook the Broccoli
In a small pot, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes. We want them to be crisp-tender—soft enough to chop, but still bright green. After cooking, drain them and let them cool for a moment.
3. Chop the Broccoli
Using a food processor or a sharp knife, chop the steamed broccoli into small pieces. You want them finely chopped but still with a bit of texture—don’t puree it!
4. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and forms a sticky mixture.
5. Shape the Bites
Now, using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and form small balls or patties with your hands. They should be about the size of a golf ball. Make them nice and compact!
6. Coat the Bites
Take additional breadcrumbs and roll each ball lightly in them to coat the outside. This will help them get extra crispy when cooking.
7. Frying Option
If you’re frying, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in your skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the bites in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown on all sides— about 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs to turn them, then drain them on paper towels.
8. Baking Option
If you’re baking, place the bites on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with some oil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your broccoli cheese bites are cooked, remove them from the heat and serve them warm! They’re terrific as a snack or side dish, and they go wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, broccoli-packed bites! 😋
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping. This will help keep your bites from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Broccoli Cheese Bites Vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture—mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until gel-like. Use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese as well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover broccoli cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can reheat them in a skillet for extra crispiness!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli mixture and shape the bites ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before frying or baking.
