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Broccoli often gets a bad reputation as a vegetable that kids (and even some adults) avoid. However, Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites aim to change that! By combining the vegetable with cheese and breadcrumbs, these bites transform the humble broccoli into a savory snack or side dish that’s loved by everyone.
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These broccoli bites are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to many other cheesy snacks. The broccoli is finely chopped and combined with a cheesy batter, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior, packed with the nutrition of broccoli.
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This recipe is incredibly versatile, so it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a great side dish for dinner, or a fun addition to a party spread. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible.
Preparation Instructions
Before you get cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your ingredients so that everything comes together smoothly. Follow these preparation steps:
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Prepare the Broccoli:
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly and remove the stems. You want to use only the florets for this recipe, so break the broccoli into small pieces.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still firm. You want it to be tender enough to blend but not too soft. Drain the broccoli well and let it cool slightly.
- Once it’s cooled, chop the broccoli into even smaller pieces, almost to a fine chop. The smaller the pieces, the easier it is to form the bites.
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Shred the Cheese:
- If you’re using block cheese, shred it using a cheese grater. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect the texture, so fresh shredded cheese is always the best choice.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the eggs and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
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Combine the Ingredients:
- In your large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan (if using). Pour the beaten egg mixture over the ingredients and mix everything together until the mixture sticks together. The consistency should be sticky enough to form into small patties but not too runny.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now it’s time to make these Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites! Follow these detailed steps for perfect results:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the bites cook evenly and get crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy on the inside.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. This prevents the bites from sticking and helps them crisp up nicely during baking.
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Form the Bites:
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop out the broccoli mixture and roll it into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon or slightly larger. You can also form them into small patties if you prefer.
- Place each bite on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
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Bake the Broccoli Bites:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip the bites halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once the broccoli bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
Tips and Techniques for Success
To ensure that your Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips:
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Broccoli Texture: Make sure not to overcook the broccoli when blanching or steaming it. You want the broccoli to be slightly undercooked so that it holds its shape in the bites.
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Cheese Choices: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.
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Binding the Mixture: If the mixture is too loose and doesn’t stick together well, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a little more egg. The mixture should hold its shape when formed into a bite.
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Crispier Bites: If you want extra crispy bites, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
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Freezing: These bites freeze well. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. You can bake them from frozen at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some great serving ideas:
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As an Appetizer: Serve these bites as a fun appetizer at parties or family gatherings. They go well with a variety of dips like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even salsa.
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As a Side Dish: These bites make a great side dish to go alongside chicken, beef, or even vegetarian main courses. Pair them with a light salad or some roasted vegetables.
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As a Snack: They are perfect for snacking on throughout the day. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go snack.
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On a Lunch Plate: Combine these bites with some fresh fruit, a handful of mixed greens, or even a quinoa salad to create a light but filling lunch.
Creative Variations
This recipe is very versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are a few ideas for variations:
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Add Other Vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables into the mixture, such as finely chopped spinach, carrots, or zucchini. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the mix.
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Spicy Broccoli Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños to give the bites a spicy kick.
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Herb-Infused Bites: Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or parsley to give your broccoli bites an aromatic touch.
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Gluten-Free Option: To make these bites gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delicious snack or side dish. These bites offer the perfect balance of cheesy goodness, crispy texture, and nutritious broccoli. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or a snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
By following this detailed recipe, you can create the perfect cheesy broccoli bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of flavor. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a healthy, tasty treat that everyone will love!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crispier texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. - Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess water, then chop the broccoli into small pieces once cooled. - Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. - Form the Bites:
Using your hands or a tablespoon, form small balls or patties from the mixture, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart. - Bake:
Bake the broccoli bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. - Serve:
Let the bites cool slightly before serving. These are great on their own or served with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- Broccoli Cooking Tip: Make sure to press out any excess moisture from the steamed broccoli before mixing, as too much moisture can make the bites soggy.
- Cheese Options: You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or any other melting cheese for different flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add cooked bacon, diced onion, or herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
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