Description
Crispy broccoli bites elevate simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines healthy ingredients with irresistible flavor. Cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs create a golden exterior that makes you crave another handful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) broccoli florets, fresh and finely chopped
- ½ cup (118 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (59 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, large
- ½ cup (118 ml) breadcrumbs, panko or regular
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and pristine release.
- Vegetable Preparation: Flash-boil broccoli for two minutes, then plunge into an ice water bath to halt cooking and lock in vibrant emerald hues. Drain meticulously and blot dry with absorbent towels.
- Mixing Stage: Pulverize cooled broccoli into minuscule, uniform fragments. In a capacious mixing vessel, amalgamate chopped broccoli with cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Tenderly integrate ingredients until a compact, malleable consistency emerges.
- Forming Process: Craft consistent bite-sized spheres or compact medallions using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Arrange methodically on the prepared baking surface, ensuring ample spacing between each morsel.
- Baking Technique: Position the tray in the preheated oven, rotating midway through the 20-25 minute cooking duration. Monitor closely to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior with a tantalizingly crisp texture.
- Finishing Touch: Extract from the oven once achieving optimal bronzed perfection. Allow a brief 2-3 minute cooling interlude before presenting with ranch, marinara, or your preferred complementary dipping companion.
Notes
- Optimize Broccoli Texture: Ensure broccoli is completely dry after blanching to prevent soggy bites and maintain a crisp, appetizing texture.
- Prevent Crumbling: Mix ingredients thoroughly and compact the mixture firmly to help bites hold together during baking and handling.
- Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta or goat cheese, or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick to customize the recipe.
- Make Diet-Friendly Modifications: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan alternative that still provides rich, savory taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg