Ah, Cheesy Broccoli Bites! Let me tell you, these little gems have a special place in my heart—and my kitchen! I remember the first time I made them. It was during one of those long winter evenings when I simply craved something warm, gooey, and comforting. As luck would have it, I had some broccoli in the fridge and a block of mozzarella that had been lying around. A couple of experiments later, and voilà—Cheesy Broccoli Bites were born!
These bites are perfect for snacking or, let’s face it, a sneaky little appetizer. They’re also a fantastic way to convince picky eaters to enjoy their greens! Packed with cheesy goodness and that delightful crunchy exterior, they’ve become a favorite in my household—and I bet they’ll win over your family and friends too!
What’s in Cheesy Broccoli Bites?
Broccoli Florets: The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen—whichever you have on hand. I usually keep frozen in my freezer for those days when I need a quick side.
Mozzarella Cheese: This shredded goodness brings the melty factor to these bites. I love using part-skim mozzarella for a little extra flavor without overwhelming calories.
Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle of this tangy cheese elevates the flavor profile. You can never go wrong with Parmesan, right?
Breadcrumbs (Panko preferred): These give our bites that satisfying crunch. I swear by panko for any recipe that calls for breadcrumbs because they make everything crispier!
All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit to help bind everything together. You could also use whole wheat flour for a touch of extra nutrition.
Egg: The magic ingredient that holds all of our delicious components together.
Garlic Powder: A must for flavor! It brings that rich garlicky taste without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Adds depth to the flavor without overpowering the broccoli.
Salt and Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall flavors.
Cooking Oil: We need this for frying, and I recommend using an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
Is Cheesy Broccoli Bites Good for You?
You might be wondering if these cheesy delights are a guilt-free treat. I like to think so!
Broccoli: Let’s start with the mighty broccoli. This superfood is packed with vitamins C and K and offers great antioxidant properties. It’s a fantastic way to boost your fiber intake, essential for those of us trying to get our greens in.
Cheese: I mean… cheese! It provides calcium and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Just keep an eye on the portions due to its calorie content.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re aiming for a healthier option, you can swap regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or even crushed almonds for a gluten-free version.
That said, frying does add some extra calories, so if you’re looking to keep things light, don’t forget the baked version I mentioned in the notes!
Ingredients to Gather
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Cooking oil for frying
This recipe will serve about 4-6 people, depending on how many bites each person plans to pop into their mouths!
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Bites?
1. If you’re using fresh broccoli, go ahead and steam or boil the florets until tender, about 5 minutes. For frozen, just thaw and drain well. Once they’re ready, finely chop the broccoli and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Grab a mixing bowl and combine the chopped broccoli, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until you have a beautiful medley of goodness!
3. With your hands (don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!), form the mixture into small balls, around 1-2 inches in diameter.
4. Now, in a frying pan, heat up a good amount of cooking oil over medium heat.
5. Once your oil is hot and ready, carefully place the broccoli balls into the pan. Fry them in batches and turn occasionally until they are gloriously golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Once they’re perfectly fried, take them out of the pan and let them drain on paper towels. We want the excess oil to go!
7. Serve those warm beauties with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Take Your Cheesy Broccoli Bites to the Next Level!
– To amp up the flavors, try experimenting with different types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
– If you’re feeling adventurous with your seasoning, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat!
– Want to lighten things up? Bake the bites instead! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown.
I can’t emphasize enough how much I adore these cheesy bites! So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl. I would love to hear how yours turn out and what creative twists you add. Happy cooking!
