Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
This healthy baked snack is loaded with veggies and yet totally delicious. Keep a few bags of frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice handy in your freezer to make this quick and easy recipe even your picky kids will gobble up. It's like broccoli cheese soup in the form of crispy finger food!
Servings: 16 bites
Ingredients
- 1 (10oz) bag frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice (about 3.5 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar *see notes
- 2 tbsp white flour or almond flour
- seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Microwave the frozen broccoli rice according to the package instructions and then dump it into a fine strainer over your sink. Let it cool for a few minutes and then squeeze and drain out as much excess liquid as possible.
- In a medium size bowl, stir to combine the strained broccoli rice, egg, shredded cheddar, flour, and seasoning.
- Use your hands to make approximately 16 small balls with the batter and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. Smash them down a bit to form small patties.
- Bake for 15 minutes and then use a spatula to flip them over. Continue baking for 8-10 more minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve alone or with ranch dressing for dipping!
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheddar works best for this recipe because the bagged cheese has additives that change the texture and flavor, however I'm sure the pre-shredded cheese would work okay in a pinch.
- You can use white flour or almond flour for this recipe! Almond flour has fiber and protein, making these broccoli bites lower in carbs and even more nutritious.
- Frozen broccoli rice isn’t available at every grocery store, but I’ve always been able to find the broccoli and cauliflower combination. You can also use just cauliflower rice to achieve a very similar outcome. Broccoli and cauliflower are basically twins in the vegetable world!
- Any seasoning can be used for this recipe. Make them your way based on your family's preferences. You could even toss in some creole seasoning for added spice.