Okay, so I've always been one of those people who believes that even vegetables deserve to be utterly delicious. Seriously, who wants to choke down bland broccoli, right? Thats why I came up with these broccoli cheddar bites. I came up with it. Okay, maybe I saw something similar online. But this recipe is different and so good!
These little nuggets of joy are like a warm hug on a plate, especially if you're having a bad day. They're the perfect balance of healthy (broccoli!) and indulgent (cheddar!). Honestly, they're so good that even the pickiest eaters in your family might just ask for seconds. True story: my nephew, who once declared broccoli 'the enemy', devoured a whole plate of these. I am a bit of an expert on food though. Okay, not really but trust me on this one.
The secret? A simple blend of fresh ingredients, perfectly balanced seasonings, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese. It's all baked to golden-brown perfection. They are perfect on their own, but they also make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a quick snack when you need a little pick-me-up. They’re the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making again and again, I bet. You could probably make them every single day. But maybe don't, ha!
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Cheese Grater
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Silicone Spatula
Broccoli Cheddar Bites: Frequently Asked Questions
Broccoli Cheddar Bites
These Broccoli Cheddar Bites are a flavorful and fun way to enjoy your vegetables. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these cheesy bites are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven nice and ready! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, future you will thank you!
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash but not mushy. Nobody likes mushy broccoli! Let the broccoli cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces. Really small.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s like a party in a bowl! Make sure everything is evenly distributed. I cannot stress this enough.
- With your hands (or a small cookie scoop), form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. About 1-inch in diameter is perfect. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. The size is really important.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them—ovens can be quirky! Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Its not a big deal but its better to be safe.
- Remove from the oven and let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will help them firm up a bit. Serve warm and watch them disappear! Who doesn't like cheese.
- Serve and enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Bites! They're great as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. If you're feeling fancy, serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or sriracha mayo. This is optional.
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 85 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 75mg
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