Discover the Ultimate Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe Today!

Dive into the irresistible world of Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites – a mouthwatering snack that combines the nutritional power of broccoli with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. These bite-sized treats are the perfect blend of crunchy and creamy, making them an absolute delight for both kids and adults alike. Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for more!

Table of Contents

Main Ingredients

To create these Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites, you’ll need a simple yet delicious lineup of ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli, finely chopped – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli is the star of this recipe, providing a nutritious and crunchy base.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The classic cheese choice that melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan brings a savory, umami-packed flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (+ extra for coating) – Breadcrumbs create a crispy outer layer and help bind the mixture together.
• 2 eggs – The eggs act as a binder, holding the bites together and creating a delightful, fluffy interior.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a touch of aromatic, savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.

Preparation Steps

Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow steps to create these Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites:

Preheat Oven or Skillet

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat if you prefer to fry the bites.

Prepare Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Shape Bites

Take a tablespoon of the broccoli cheese mixture and shape it into small, round bites or nuggets, ensuring they are all a consistent size for even cooking.

Coat the Bites

Lightly roll each bite in all-purpose flour, then coat them with the extra breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer.

Cooking Methods

Baking Instructions

Place the coated Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle or brush them with a bit of olive oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Frying Instructions

Alternatively, you can fry the bites in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

The Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, and even spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices to amplify the flavors.

Ranch Dressing

The cool, creamy, and tangy ranch dressing is a classic pairing that complements the savory bites perfectly. You can use a store-bought ranch or whip up a homemade version for an extra special touch.

Marinara Sauce

For a more Italian-inspired dip, the Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites shine when paired with a zesty marinara sauce. The tomato-based sauce provides a delightful contrast to the cheesy bites.

Additional Dipping Sauces

Feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy chipotle aioli, to find your personal flavor preference.

Nutritional Information

These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites are not only delicious but also a relatively healthy snack option. A serving of approximately 4-5 bites contains around 200 calories, making them a balanced choice compared to many other fried or heavily processed snacks.

The broccoli provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the cheese adds a boost of protein and calcium. When enjoyed in moderation, these bites can be a nutritious and satisfying way to curb your cravings.

FAQs About Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites

Is it healthy to eat broccoli with cheese?

Yes, eating broccoli with cheese can be a healthy and nutritious combination. Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while cheese provides protein, calcium, and other beneficial nutrients. The key is to consume both in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What do you dip broccoli cheddar bites with?

The Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy chipotle aioli. The creamy, tangy, or zesty flavors of these dips complement the savory, cheesy bites perfectly.

How to thicken up broccoli and cheese?

To thicken up a broccoli and cheese dish, you can try a few techniques:

• Use a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) to create a creamy, velvety base.
• Blend or purée some of the cooked broccoli to create a thicker texture.
• Incorporate a small amount of cornstarch or flour to the cheese sauce, allowing it to simmer and thicken.
• Use a higher ratio of cheese to broccoli in the recipe.

How to keep broccoli cheese soup from curdling?

To prevent broccoli cheese soup from curdling, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid boiling the soup, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate. Simmer the soup gently instead.
• Shred or grate the cheese finely, and gradually whisk it into the warm (not hot) soup base.
• Use a cheese that is less prone to curdling, such as cheddar or Gruyère, rather than a soft, fresh cheese.
• Add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to the soup to help stabilize the cheese and prevent curdling.
• Remove the soup from heat before adding the cheese, and then return it to low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully incorporated.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Garlic Baked Broccoli
• Loaded Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites – a delightful snack that combines the best of both worlds. With their crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, these bites are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Grab a batch, dip them in your favorite sauce, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Happy snacking!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print