Quick & Cheesy Broccoli Bites Recipe / Family-Favorite Snack

Crispy and golden broccoli bites offer a delightful twist on vegetable snacking that will make you forget all about bland health food.

Small florets packed with flavor create an irresistible appetizer everyone craves.

Cheese and breadcrumbs help these little morsels become wonderfully crunchy.

Classic ingredients mingle together in a surprisingly simple preparation that takes minimal kitchen effort.

Quick mixing and brief baking create magic in just minutes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures that keep people coming back for more.

You can serve these crowd-pleasing morsels at game nights or casual gatherings without breaking a sweat.

Great Pairings for Broccoli Bites

• Crisp white wine cuts through the rich cheesy broccoli bites, refreshing the palate with its zesty, bright notes.
• Homemade ranch with fresh dill and chives elevates the broccoli bites, adding creamy, herbal complexity to each bite.
• Serve broccoli bites alongside hummus, olives, and cucumber salad for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread that balances flavors and textures.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or light wheat beer to contrast the cheesy, crispy broccoli bites with its carbonation and subtle bitterness.

Fun Spins on Broccoli Bites Recipe

• Gluten-Free Broccoli Bites: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap cheddar and Parmesan with nutritional yeast and cashew cheese to create a plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Keto Broccoli Bites: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and add extra cheese for a high-fat, low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Mix in red pepper flakes, chopped fresh cilantro, and swap Italian seasoning for a zesty, herbaceous flavor profile.

All Your Questions on Broccoli Bites Recipe

• Are broccoli bites healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutrients! Broccoli provides vitamins C and K, while cheese adds protein. By baking instead of deep-frying, these bites are a nutritious alternative to traditional fried appetizers.

• Can I make broccoli bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the bites up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. They can also be frozen before baking for longer storage.

• What are the best cheeses to use?

Cheddar and Parmesan work great, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or monterey jack. Choose cheeses that complement broccoli’s flavor and provide good binding.

• How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Easy Broccoli Bites Recipe That Wins Over Veggie Skeptics

• Super simple recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families and last-minute meal preparations.
• Sneaks healthy broccoli into delicious bite-sized treats that children will love, transforming vegetables into an exciting and tasty snack.
• Adaptable recipe that works great as an appetizer, school lunch, game day snack, or side dish, satisfying different meal needs with minimal effort.
• Requires common pantry staples and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for beginners and experienced home cooks alike without complicated techniques.

The Ingredients That Make Broccoli Bites Work

• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable offering flavor and nutrients, best when fresh and firm.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese blend for rich flavor and binding, aged varieties preferred.

• Breadcrumbs: Crispy texture enhancer, helps hold ingredients together, panko or traditional work well.
• Eggs: Primary binding agent that helps maintain bite structure, room temperature eggs recommended.
• Garlic Powder: Adds mild, concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory background notes.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, balances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend contributing complex Mediterranean-style flavor notes.

Instructions for the Best Broccoli Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blanch Broccoli

• Boil water in a pot
• Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes
• Drain and immediately transfer to ice water bath
• Pat broccoli dry and finely chop

Step 3: Create Bite Mixture

• Chopped broccoli
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Mix thoroughly until ingredients bind together

Step 4: Shape Broccoli Bites

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture

Form into small balls or patties

Place on prepared baking sheet

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20-25 minutes

Flip bites halfway through cooking

Aim for golden and crispy exterior

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven

Let cool slightly

Serve warm with ranch, marinara, or preferred dipping sauce

Tips to Make Broccoli Bites Crispy on the Outside

• Perfectly Chop Broccoli: Ensure broccoli is finely chopped to help the bites hold together and create a consistent texture throughout.
• Drain and Dry Thoroughly: Pat broccoli completely dry after blanching to prevent soggy bites that won't crisp up in the oven.
• Control Moisture Levels: If mixture seems too wet, add extra breadcrumbs to help bind ingredients and maintain the right consistency.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.

Keeping Broccoli Bites Fresh After Cooking

• Store leftover broccoli bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack bites in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bites at 350F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to restore crispiness.
• Crisp up bites in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and exterior is crunchy.

Easy Broccoli Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy broccoli bites bring irresistible flavor to snack time, elevating humble vegetables into golden, crunchy delights. Cheese-infused and perfectly seasoned, these bites deliver a satisfying crunch that will make healthy eating deliciously simple.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 cups (473 ml) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped

Cheeses:

• ½ cup (118 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (59 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (118 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and nonstick surface.
2. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant green color. Thoroughly drain and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
5. Gently fold and mix the ingredients until they form a cohesive, moldable mixture that holds its shape when pressed together.
6. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, create uniform bite-sized balls or compact patties, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration and crispy exterior.
8. Once baked to a perfect golden crispness, remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly for 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve immediately alongside ranch, marinara, or your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant color and prevent overcooking, ensuring a crisp texture in the final bites.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Adjust breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet or dry to help bind ingredients perfectly and create ideal consistency.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb and celiac-friendly version of these delicious bites.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg