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Crispy golden broccoli cheese bites with melted cheddar center and visible green broccoli florets on dark surface

Broccoli Cheese Bites

Crispy golden broccoli cheese bites featuring tender steamed broccoli mixed with melted sharp cheddar cheese and eggs, coated in seasoned Parmesan bread crumbs, then baked until perfectly golden. These kid friendly baked broccoli cheddar appetizer bites deliver restaurant quality taste with visible green broccoli florets throughout every bite, making vegetables completely irresistible for picky eaters and party guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Fresh broccoli florets About 1 large head, or use frozen thawed
  • 1.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese Freshly shredded, 6 oz
  • 2 large Eggs For binding mixture
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For savory flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder Adds depth
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Plus more to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 1 cup Plain bread crumbs Or panko for extra crunch
  • 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese For coating
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried parsley For visual appeal

Equipment

  • 1 Steamer basket For cooking broccoli tender without waterlogging
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For combining all ingredients
  • 1 Baking sheet For baking bites
  • 1 Parchment paper Prevents sticking
  • 1 Small cookie scoop 2 tablespoon size for uniform bites
  • 1 Shallow dish For bread crumb coating
  • 1 Cooling rack Keeps bottoms crispy after baking
  • 1 Clean kitchen towel For squeezing moisture from broccoli

Method
 

  1. Preheat to 400°F, line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Steam fresh broccoli florets 5 to 7 minutes until tender but not mushy
  3. Let broccoli cool completely, squeeze out all excess moisture using clean towel, chop very fine
  4. Combine chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in large bowl
  5. Mix bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese, paprika, and dried parsley in shallow dish
  6. Scoop 2 tablespoons of broccoli mixture, form into round or oval shapes using hands
  7. Roll each shaped bite in bread crumb mixture, pressing gently so coating sticks well all over
  8. Place coated bites on prepared baking sheet spacing them 1 inch apart
  9. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, flipping at 12 minute mark, until coating turns golden brown and crispy
  10. Let bites cool 3 to 5 minutes before serving so melted cheese sets slightly

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.