Crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, these Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites are about to become your new favorite snack! There’s something magical about transforming humble broccoli florets into golden, crunchy morsels with a gooey cheddar center. Did you know broccoli is often called “the crown jewel of vegetables”? Well, here it takes center stage! Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school treat, a fun party appetizer, or a sneaky way to serve more veggies, this recipe delivers.
It’s remarkably simple and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. If you loved our popular Cheesy Cauliflower Tots, you’ll be equally charmed by this recipe’s savory twist. The whole family will love devouring these little bites—just be prepared, because they disappear fast! Let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing broccoli bites.
What is Crispy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites?
So, what exactly are Crispy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites? The name might sound fancy, but this recipe is as down-to-earth as it gets. Imagine little nuggets of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and savory goodness, all baked until crisp and golden—who could resist? Legend has it, the first person to combine broccoli and cheddar must’ve had a hungry heart, because as the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! These bites really do live up to their name—crispy outside, cheesy inside, and totally bite-sized. Ready to find out why everyone should try these super snackable treats? It’s time to preheat the oven and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites! First, their main highlight is their unbeatable texture—crispy on the edges with a delightfully cheesy, succulent center that melts in your mouth. Making these at home is not only super budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to avoid preservatives and create a healthier snack alternative for your family or gatherings.
What really sets these bites apart are the vibrant ingredients: sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, a hint of smoked paprika for depth, and plenty of fresh broccoli. Each bite bursts with flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them hard to stop at just one. If you enjoyed our Parmesan Zucchini Fritters or any veggie-packed snack recipes, this dish is a must-try. Bold, zesty, and utterly craveable—you’ll love how easy it is to whip up and the rave reviews you’ll get. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover a new staple for every occasion!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Whipping up these Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites couldn’t be easier—or tastier. All you need is one bowl, a baking sheet, and just 10 minutes of hands-on prep. After a quick mix, shape, and bake, you’ll be rewarded with crispy, cheesy bites that are perfect for sharing. The real standout is how effortlessly you can sneak in those veggies while still delivering a flavor-packed snack or side everyone will love. Start to finish, you’ll have fresh bites on your table in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Non-stick cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is evenly blended and the mixture starts to hold together.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each bite and gently shape into small balls. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the bites about an inch apart for even cooking.
- Spray the tops of the bites lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This step is key for achieving extra crispiness as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are beautifully golden brown and crisp on the edges. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Let the bites cool for a minute or two before transferring to a serving plate. Enjoy them warm, either as a snack, a lunchbox treat, or crowd-pleasing party finger food.
What to Serve With
Looking to make your Crispy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites part of a full meal or fun spread? Try serving them alongside a creamy ranch or tangy Greek yogurt dip for a flavor boost. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, a zesty coleslaw, or even as a savory companion to soups like tomato basil or classic chicken noodle. For beverages, offer a refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade to keep things light and family-friendly—or a crisp white wine for an adult gathering. These versatile bites adapt to any occasion!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Don’t forget to squeeze out excess moisture from the broccoli after chopping (a clean kitchen towel works great). This helps the bites hold their shape and get extra crispy.
- Feel free to swap cheddar for a different cheese based on what you love—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack add their own twist.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, a little dash of cayenne or regular paprika will still add warmth and depth.
- For an even-bake, make sure your broccoli pieces are finely and evenly chopped—no big chunks!
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can make the bites dense instead of light and crispy.
- Want to make these bites gluten-free? Sub in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These bites are just as good the next day—if they last that long! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes or until heated through. If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the cooled bites on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply reheat on a baking sheet straight from the freezer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for freshly baked taste and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before chopping and mixing.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the unbaked bites for up to a day before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.
What dips go well with these Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites?
Try ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or a simple marinara sauce for dipping!
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love these cheesy, bite-sized snacks, and they’re a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables.
Can I cook these in an air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes! Arrange in a single layer and air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
Conclusion
Crispy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites are the ultimate solution for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Quick to make, alluringly golden, and loaded with gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. With a plentiful handful of pantry staples and a tray in the oven, you’ll have bite-sized magic in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, packed up for a picnic, or as a party appetizer, these playful morsels are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Ready to make your snack routine a little more delicious? Gather your ingredients and let’s bake up a batch of these delightfully crispy, cheesy bites!
Crispy Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Bites
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped Squeeze out excess moisture after chopping.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika Can substitute with regular paprika or cayenne.
- as needed Non-stick cooking spray For coating the baking sheet and bites.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is evenly blended and the mixture starts to hold together.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each bite and gently shape into small balls. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the bites about an inch apart for even cooking.
- Spray the tops of the bites lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This step is key for achieving extra crispiness as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are beautifully golden brown and crisp on the edges. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Let the bites cool for a minute or two before transferring to a serving plate. Enjoy them warm, either as a snack, a lunchbox treat, or crowd-pleasing party finger food.