Are you tired of boring vegetable side dishes that nobody wants to eat? Get ready to transform broccoli from a dreaded green to a crowd-pleasing sensation! These Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites are the ultimate game-changer for picky eaters, health-conscious foodies, and anyone who loves a crispy, cheesy snack that's secretly packed with nutrition. Imagine popping these golden, bite-sized morsels into your mouth and experiencing an explosion of cheesy goodness that makes eating vegetables feel like an absolute treat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Steam the chopped broccoli in a steamer basket or microwave until tender but still bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into compact bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Press the mixture firmly to ensure the bites hold together.
- Arrange the broccoli cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow even cooking and browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. The bites should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let the bites cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to help them set and become more firm.
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. Optional: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry your steamed broccoli. Excess water can make your bites soggy and prevent them from getting crispy.
- Press Firmly: When forming the bites, press the mixture tightly to ensure they hold together during baking. Using slightly damp hands can help the mixture stick.
- Even Sizing Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or consistently sized hand-rolling to ensure uniform cooking and a professional look.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some mozzarella or switching up the cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bites in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: These bites are versatile! Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a protein-packed lunch with a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 40kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
