🧀🥦 Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Cheesy, crispy, veggie-packed bites that are oven-baked to golden perfection. A kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer!
🧾 Ingredients:
- 
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (steamed or blanched beforehand for tenderness) 
- 
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for more flavor) 
- 
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) 
- 
2 eggs, beaten 
- 
¼ cup all-purpose flour 
- 
1 teaspoon garlic powder 
- 
½ teaspoon salt 
- 
¼ teaspoon black pepper 
👨🍳 Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Prep the Oven
- 
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 
- 
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. 
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- 
Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until tender. 
- 
Let cool slightly, then finely chop into small pieces. 
✅ Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- 
In a large bowl, combine: - 
Chopped broccoli 
- 
Shredded cheddar cheese 
- 
Breadcrumbs 
- 
Beaten eggs 
- 
Flour 
- 
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper 
 
- 
- 
Mix everything together until it forms a sticky, uniform mixture. 
✅ Step 4: Form the Bites
- 
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. 
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Roll into compact 1–1.5 inch balls with your hands. 
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Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. 
✅ Step 5: Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. 
- 
Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness. 
✅ Step 6: Serve
- 
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as: - 
Ranch dressing 
- 
Sriracha mayo 
- 
Garlic aioli 
- 
Marinara sauce 
 
- 
⏱️ Time & Yield:
- 
Prep Time: 15 minutes 
- 
Cook Time: 20 minutes 
- 
Total Time: 35 minutes 
- 
Makes: About 20 bites (serves 4–6) 
💡 Tips & Variations:
- 
Air Fryer Method: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. 
- 
Add grated carrot or finely chopped bell pepper for more veggie variety. 
- 
Swap cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. 
- 
Make ahead and reheat in the oven or air fryer for quick snacks. 
