Description
Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a delicious and crispy snack made with fresh broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, finely chopped (fresh or steamed)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ½ cup (60 g) flour (for coating)
- 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
- 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: Steam or blanch broccoli until tender (about 3 minutes), then finely chop. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, mozzarella, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until a thick, sticky mixture forms that can be easily shaped.
- Shape the bites: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used (makes about 14–16 bites). Chill the balls for 20 minutes in the refrigerator — this helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Bread the bites: Roll each ball lightly in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
- Fry until crispy: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot with ranch, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the bites instead of frying them.
- Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the mixture for extra flavor.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg