These crispy broccoli cheese bites are the perfect way to turn veggies into a delicious snack—crispy outside, cheesy and soft inside!
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~15–18 bites)
- 2 cups broccoli (finely chopped & lightly steamed)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep broccoli
- Steam broccoli until tender
- Drain and squeeze out excess moisture (very important!)
- Chop finely
2. Mix
- In a bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, and seasonings
- Mix until it holds together
3. Shape
- Roll into small balls or nuggets
- Place on lined tray
4. Cook
Oven:
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fryer:
- Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes
5. Serve
- Let cool slightly
- Serve with your favorite dip
💡 Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Remove all moisture from broccoli
- Use panko breadcrumbs
- Lightly spray with oil before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd
🔥 Variations
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
- Spicy: Add chili flakes 🌶️
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken
- Kid-Friendly: Add extra cheese
🍽️ Serve With
- Ranch or garlic dip 🧄
- Ketchup
- Yogurt dip
⚖️ Approx Nutrition (Per 3–4 bites)
- Calories: ~120–160
- Protein: ~6–8g
- Carbs: ~8–12g
- Fat: ~6–9g
🧮 WW (Weight Watchers) Points
- 3–5 points per serving
❓ FAQs
Why are they falling apart?
Too much moisture or not enough binder (egg/breadcrumbs).
Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze before or after cooking.
Can I pan-fry?
Yes—for extra crispiness.