Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites – A Delicious & Healthy Snack

Introduction

If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy, and healthy appetizer, these baked broccoli cheese bites are the perfect choice! They’re packed with flavor, made with wholesome ingredients, and baked instead of fried for a guilt-free snack. These bites are an excellent option for easy dinner sides veggies, great for parties, or even as a nutritious snack for kids and adults alike.

Unlike deep-fried appetizers, these broccoli cheddar nuggets offer the perfect balance of crispy texture on the outside and gooey, cheesy goodness inside—all without the extra oil. Plus, they’re completely plant-based, making them a fantastic addition to your collection of broccoli and cream cheese recipes with a vegan twist. Whether you’re looking for vegetables to snack on or a new way to enjoy baked broccoli with cheese, this recipe is one you’ll love making again and again.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best baked broccoli cheese bites, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to meal prep tips, storage options, and serving suggestions.

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Why You’ll Love These Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites

There are so many reasons to love these cheesy, crispy bites:

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a hassle-free recipe.
• Kid-friendly – A great way to get kids to eat their veggies!
• Healthier than fried versions – Enjoy the crispy texture without the excess oil from frying.
• Perfect snack or side dish – These bites work as a standalone snack, an appetizer, or a great addition to meals.
• Great for meal prep – You can make them ahead and freeze them for easy snacks.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites

To make these delicious broccoli cheddar nuggets, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bites

• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• ¼ cup almond flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating (Optional for Extra Crispiness)

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor or knife for finely chopping broccoli
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or small scoop for shaping the bites
• Oven

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 5 minutes until tender, then finely chop. If using frozen broccoli, let it thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded vegan cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, almond flour, flax egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Shape the Bites

Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Place it on a lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Step 4: Add a Crispy Coating (Optional)

For extra crispiness, roll each bite in panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil before placing them on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or as a fun side dish for dinner.

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Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Nuggets

• Make sure to squeeze out extra moisture from the broccoli to prevent soggy bites.
• Use finely chopped broccoli to ensure even mixing with the cheese and seasonings.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to add more garlic, paprika, or your favorite spices.
• For a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your baked broccoli cheese bites? Here are a few ideas:

• Make them gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour.
• Try different cheeses – Swap vegan cheddar for vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor.
• Add extra veggies – Finely chopped carrots or spinach work great.
• Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the broccoli – Too much moisture makes the bites fall apart.
• Over-processing the mixture – Keep the texture slightly chunky for the best consistency.
• Skipping the coating – The panko coating adds a great crispy texture.

How to Serve Baked Broccoli with Cheese

These cheese broccoli bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

• As a snack – Perfect for quick bites or lunchbox treats.
• With dips – Serve with ranch, marinara sauce, or a dairy-free garlic aioli.
• As a side dish – Pair them with pasta, sandwiches, or veggie burgers.
• With soup – They go great with tomato soup or creamy potato soup.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Bites

If you’re wondering about sides with broccoli, here are a few delicious pairings:

• Sweet potato fries – A great contrast in flavor and texture.
• Quinoa salad – Adds extra protein and fiber to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables – Pair with oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.

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FAQs About Broccoli Cheddar Nuggets

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A: Yes! Just steam and chop it before using.

Q: How do I make these crispier?
A: Use panko breadcrumbs and bake them at a slightly higher temperature (400°F).

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Conclusion

These baked broccoli cheese bites are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and nutritious. Whether you need a tasty appetizer, easy dinner sides veggies, or just want vegetables to snack on, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a quick baking process, these bites make a great addition to any meal. Try them today and let us know how you liked them!

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