Introduction
These crispy cheesy broccoli bites are a delicious and healthy snack, combining a golden, crispy coating with a gooey, cheesy center. This easy recipe is ideal for quick appetizers, low-carb meals, or nutritious snacks that fit into current healthy eating trends, such as keto snacks, roasted vegetable recipes, and protein-rich appetizers.
Ingredients
2 cups of finely chopped broccoli florets
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup of breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb option
1 large egg
2 cloves of chopped garlic
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or dill
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil spray
Optional dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or cheese sauce.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (gas mark 6) and prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Steam the broccoli for a few minutes, until tender, then drain well.
Finely chop the broccoli and carefully remove any excess moisture.
Mix together in a bowl the broccoli, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs and spices.
Mix until the mixture thickens and holds its shape easily.
Shape them into small bite-sized balls and arrange them on the tray.
Brush or lightly spray with oil to enhance the crispness.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
How to do
Use fresh broccoli to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Make sure the broccoli is completely dry to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Mix different cheeses to obtain a rich and creamy center.
Shape the balls into uniformly sized balls so they cook evenly.
Bake or air fryer according to your preferred cooking method.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving so that the texture stabilizes perfectly.
