Description
Crunchy Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites are a delicious fusion of flavor and nutrition, perfect for any meal or snack time. These bites combine fresh broccoli with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all in a crispy coating.
Ingredients
- 2 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chopped broccoli florets. Boil for about 3 minutes until tender, then drain and finely chop.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced onion, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Spoon the mixture into the greased mini muffin pan, filling each cup to the brim and pressing down to pack tightly.
5. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Optionally broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crunch.
6. Let the bites cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before removing them. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
Feel free to add fresh herbs or spicy ingredients to customize flavors. Consider using different types of cheese or making it vegan with plant-based alternatives. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg