Go Back
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat for a healthier option) - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Olive oil spray When I create Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. The broccoli gives a great crunch and a bright color. Steaming the broccoli softens it, making it easy to mix. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a strong flavor that pairs well with the veggies. Whole wheat breadcrumbs help bind everything together while adding fiber. Eggs are essential for holding the bites together. They give a light and airy texture. Onions and garlic add depth and richness to each bite. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall taste, while smoked paprika brings a unique twist. - Calories per serving: About 150 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 7 grams - Fat: 5 grams - Carbohydrates: 20 grams - Dietary benefits: High in fiber and low in calories These bites are not just tasty; they are also nutritious. They provide protein from cheese and eggs. The broccoli adds vitamins and minerals, making these bites a healthy snack. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the bites from sticking and makes clean-up easier. Next, steam your broccoli. Steaming keeps the bright green color and nutrients. After steaming, chop it finely. This ensures even mixing in your bites. In a large bowl, combine your ingredients. Mix together steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Use a spatula or your hands to mix well. Make sure every ingredient is evenly spread. This helps each bite taste great. If you want a smoother texture, you can mash the mixture slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add the eggs to your broccoli mixture. Stir until everything sticks together. Now, it’s time to form the bites. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the patties on your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each one. This allows the air to flow and helps them crisp up. To achieve the perfect crispiness, lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This little step makes a big difference. Bake the bites for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy broccoli cheddar bites! To make your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites even better, swap some ingredients. Use low-fat cheese to cut calories. You can mix in extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can add flavor. Try sprinkling in spices like garlic powder or onion powder for more taste. These small changes can boost nutrition without losing flavor. When it’s time to eat, pair your bites with tasty dips. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang. Try a zesty salsa for a fresh kick. For a gourmet touch, serve with a homemade yogurt sauce mixed with lemon juice and dill. Plating matters too! Arrange the bites on a colorful platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. For easy prep, use a large mixing bowl and a sturdy spatula. A cookie scoop helps shape the bites neatly. Don’t forget parchment paper! It keeps your bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Using parchment ensures your bites cook evenly and get that perfect crisp. You’ll love how simple it is to work with these tools. {{image_2}} When making Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites, you can switch up the cheese. Instead of sharp cheddar, try mozzarella for a milder taste. Gouda brings a rich, creamy flavor that works well too. If you're looking for vegan options, use cashew cheese or almond-based cheese. Both melt nicely and give a great taste. You can add a kick to your bites with flavor boosters. Red pepper flakes give a nice heat. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy twist. Mixing in other veggies like spinach or cauliflower can enhance nutrition and flavor. These changes make each batch unique and fun. Baking is a classic method for these bites. It keeps them crisp without extra oil. If you want a quicker option, try air frying them. Both methods keep the bites healthy and tasty. For later meals, you can freeze the uncooked bites. Just let them thaw before baking. This way, you have a quick snack ready when you need it. To keep your Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can enjoy them for up to three days in the fridge. If you have leftover bites, use a shallow container to store them. This allows them to cool quickly before sealing. To reheat broccoli cheddar bites, use your oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you do use a microwave, heat them in short bursts and check often. You can freeze these bites both before and after cooking. To freeze them uncooked, shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked bites, let them cool completely before freezing. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned above. This keeps them tasty and prevents freezer burn. Yes, you can make these bites ahead. First, prepare the mixture as directed. Then, form the patties. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, place them in a sealed bag. This way, you can grab them later for quick snacks. Yes, you can make these bites gluten-free. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. These options keep the bites tasty and crunchy without gluten. To add heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also try jalapeños or hot sauce in the mixture. For a zesty kick, serve the bites with sriracha or your favorite spicy dip. This way, you can adjust the heat to your taste! In this article, we explored a tasty broccoli cheddar bites recipe. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and the nutritional benefits. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and healthy substitutes. Remember, you can experiment with different cheeses and spices to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating ensure these bites stay delicious. Try making them ahead of time for quick snacks. Enjoy your cooking, and savor every crunchy bite!

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Discover the ultimate recipe for Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Bites that your family will love! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika, these delicious bites make for the perfect appetizer or snack. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you're just 30 minutes away from a nutritious treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this tasty dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat for a healthier option)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a unique flavor twist)

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the broccoli mixture. Stir until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes cohesive.

        Using your hands, form small bite-sized patties from the mixture, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

          Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each one.

            Lightly spray the tops of the bites with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

                Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4-6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bites on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or a side of Greek yogurt for dipping.