These Broccoli Cheese Bites are little crunchy nuggets packed with cheesy goodness and healthy broccoli. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Who knew veggies could taste so good? I love serving these with a tasty dip for extra fun! They disappear fast at my house—better make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for these bites as they hold flavor and texture. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice punch of flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, try mild cheddar or mozzarella. You can also mix in other cheeses like gouda for extra creaminess.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs can be used. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes.
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor! If you’re sensitive to these, you can skip them or use garlic powder and onion powder instead to keep some of that flavor without the chunks.
How Do I Get My Broccoli Cheese Bites Crispy?
Achieving a perfect crispy exterior is all about frying them properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough; a good test is to drop in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. This keeps them from steaming, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy.
- After frying, drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil, which helps keep that crunch.
Broccoli Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for prep and around 10-15 minutes for cooking. You can enjoy these delicious bites in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Broccoli:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender. After that, drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once it’s cooled, drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Prep the Broccoli Mixture:
Finely chop the cooled broccoli, making sure to leave some small pieces for texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion (if using), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together well until it holds its shape when formed into a ball.
3. Shape the Bites:
Now it’s time to shape your mixture! Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This is where the fun begins!
4. Coat the Bites:
Roll each of those little balls in additional breadcrumbs to help give them a crispy coating once fried. This step adds extra crunch!
5. Fry the Bites:
Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the broccoli cheese bites to the skillet in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re nice and crispy, remove them from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy bites!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen broccoli and drain it well before chopping. Blanch the thawed broccoli briefly in boiling water, just like with fresh broccoli, to maintain its bright color and texture.
Can I Bake the Broccoli Cheese Bites Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray or drizzle a little oil on top. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover broccoli cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cooked bacon bits, diced bell peppers, or even different types of cheese for added flavor. Just be mindful of the proportions so the bites hold their shape.
