Cheesy Broccoli Bites

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're on the hunt for a snack that's both wholesome and satisfying, these Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a must-try. They're perfect for sneaking some greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they're super easy to whip up!

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Bites

Broccoli florets are the star of these bites, offering a healthy crunch and loads of nutrients. Shredded cheddar cheese brings a creamy, melty texture that's hard to resist, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Breadcrumbs help hold everything together and provide a crispy outer layer. The eggs bind the mixture, ensuring the bites hold their shape. A hint of garlic powder and onion powder enhances the flavor, with a touch of black pepper and salt to balance everything out. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden brown finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together better.
  • For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
  • These bites freeze well, so make a double batch and save some for later snacking.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Broccoli Bites are delightful on their own or paired with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a fresh, crisp salad or a warm bowl of soup. They're also great as a party appetizer, holding their own among a spread of snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before chopping and using in the recipe.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Panko or crushed crackers work well as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Cheesy Broccoli Bites Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Now, let's get those broccoli florets nice and tender. Steam them for about 5 minutes — you want them soft enough to chop easily, but not mushy. Once steamed, finely chop the broccoli and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepped broccoli with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything until it's well mixed. In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add them to your broccoli mixture. Stir again to ensure the eggs are well incorporated.

Time to get your hands a little dirty! Form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Once shaped, roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This step gives them that irresistible crispy exterior once baked.

Place your breadcrumb-coated bites onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil — this will help them turn golden brown in the oven. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're golden and crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, if you can resist!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Kid-friendly and a great way to get them to eat veggies.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes, then finely chop them.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add to the broccoli mixture, stirring to combine.
5. Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls and roll them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
6. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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