Description
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites are a delicious and savory snack made from frozen broccoli rice mixed with cheddar cheese, egg, and flour, baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized patties are easy to prepare, low in carbs, and perfect as an appetizer or side dish, offering a satisfying crunch and cheesy flavor without the guilt.
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 1 (10oz) bag frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice (about 3.5 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp white flour or almond flour
- Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Broccoli Rice: Microwave the frozen broccoli rice according to the package instructions. Once heated, transfer it into a fine strainer over the sink, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to avoid soggy bites.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the strained broccoli rice, egg, shredded cheddar, flour, and your chosen seasonings. Stir well to form a cohesive mixture.
- Form Bites: Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 16 small balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball down to form small, flat patties.
- Bake First Side: Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start crisping the bottoms and melting the cheese.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip each patty with a spatula to the other side. Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve your crispy broccoli cheese bites warm, optionally with ranch dressing or your favorite dip for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute white flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the broccoli rice for optimal crispiness.
- Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and provides a superior texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to add spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American