These Broccoli Cheese Bites are tiny, tasty snacks packed with yummy cheese and fresh broccoli. They’re crispy on the outside and warm and cheesy on the inside. What’s not to love?
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these bites make for a fun appetizer or a quick snack. I enjoy munching on them while watching a movie; they’re a hit with my family every time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for flavor and consistency. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli works as a substitute—just make sure to thaw and drain it well!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You could replace it with mild cheddar or even mozzarella for a milder taste. For a bit of zing, try pepper jack cheese!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute, giving that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great here, but if you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. Almond flour also works—just know it might change the texture a bit!
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together. If you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).
How Do You Prevent Broccoli Cheese Bites from Being Soggy?
One challenge with these bites is making sure they stay crisp. Here are some simple tips:
- Blanch the broccoli just until bright green, then shock it in ice water to stop cooking. This retains its color and texture.
- Squeeze out as much moisture as you can after blanching. Wet broccoli can lead to soggy bites!
- Use a mini muffin tin to get those nice, crisp edges. They help brown the bites effectively.
- Don’t overcrowd your muffin tin; give each bite enough space to cook evenly. Fill them about 3/4 full for the best puff!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect, crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites every time! Enjoy snacking!
Delicious Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bites:
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 18-22 minutes for baking. In total, you can have these delightful bites ready to enjoy in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the chopped broccoli florets. Blanch them for just 1-2 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water immediately to stop the cooking process. After a minute, drain the broccoli well and gently squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and baking powder. Make sure everything is well combined for a consistent taste!
4. Add the Eggs:
In a separate small bowl, beat the two eggs. Then, add the beaten eggs to your broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is evenly blended, and a thick batter forms. It should hold together nicely.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the mixture into your prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Gently press the mixture down a bit to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
6. Bake the Bites:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is when they develop that lovely crispy exterior!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the bites out of the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes. Then, using a small spatula or knife, carefully remove them from the tin. Be gentle to keep them intact!
8. Enjoy!
Serve these warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. They make for a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even a fun party treat. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy broccoli bites!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli! Just make sure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the mixture. Blanching isn’t necessary for frozen broccoli since it is already cooked during the freezing process.
How Can I Store Leftover Broccoli Cheese Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, or pop them in the microwave for a quick heating option.
Can I Make These Broccoli Cheese Bites Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour can also work, but keep in mind it might alter the texture slightly, making them a bit denser.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use in This Recipe?
Feel free to experiment! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can use mild cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of different cheeses. Just make sure to maintain the overall cheese quantity for the best flavor and texture.