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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and nonstick surface.
- 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.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Gently fold and mix the ingredients until they form a cohesive, moldable mixture that holds its shape when pressed together.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, create uniform bite-sized balls or compact patties, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- Once baked to a perfect golden crispness, remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly for 2-3 minutes.
- 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