Easy Broccoli and Cheese Bites
Quick and healthy broccoli cheese bites ready in 25 minutes. Perfect for lunch boxes, snacks, and meal prep. Freezer-friendly and kid-approved!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked broccoli florets chopped fine
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs plain
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese mozzarella, cheddar, or mix
- 1/4 cup onions diced tiny
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a mini muffin pan by greasing metal pans generously or using a silicone pan.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Drain broccoli well in a colander. Press gently with a spatula to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into rice-grain sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, and salt (if using).
- Mix thoroughly with a spoon or hands until mixture sticks together when squeezed. Add a splash of water if too dry, or extra breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture into each mini muffin cup. Press down gently but firmly to compact. Fill all cups evenly to make approximately 20 bites.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around each bite and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Freezing: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid (2 hours), then transfer to freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw 30 minutes before reheating.
Substitutions:
- Egg-free: Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, refrigerate 15 minutes)
- Gluten-free: Replace panko with 1/3 cup almond flour
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese or 3 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp extra breadcrumbs
- Frozen broccoli: Thaw completely and squeeze out all water before using