Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites!

 Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites

Cheesy, crispy, veggie-packed bites that are oven-baked to golden perfection. A kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer!

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (steamed or blanched beforehand for tenderness)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for more flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

 Instructions:

 Step 1: Prep the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

 Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

• Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until tender.

• Let cool slightly, then finely chop into small pieces.

 Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine:

  • Chopped broccoli

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Breadcrumbs

  • Beaten eggs

  • Flour

  • Garlic powder, salt, and pepper

• Mix everything together until it forms a sticky, uniform mixture.

 Step 4: Form the Bites

• Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture.

• Roll into compact 1–1.5 inch balls with your hands.

• Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.

 Step 5: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.

 Step 6: Serve

• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as:

  • Ranch dressing

  • Sriracha mayo

  • Garlic aioli

  • Marinara sauce

 Time & Yield:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Makes: About 20 bites (serves 4–6)