There’s something incredibly satisfying about a crispy, cheesy bite that melts in your mouth. If you love savory, crunchy snacks, then these crispy broccoli cheese bites will be your new favorite treat. They combine tender broccoli, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy golden coating to create the ultimate snack, appetizer, or party food.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these bites are a great way to sneak in some vegetables while still indulging in a cheesy, crunchy delight. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, as an after-school snack, or as a fun side dish, these broccoli cheese bites will disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
- Crispy & Cheesy – A perfect balance of crunchy Panko coating and gooey cheese filling.
- Vegetable-Packed Snack – A fun way to incorporate more broccoli into your diet.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Kid-Approved – A delicious way to get kids to eat more greens.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a quick prep time.
Ingredients for Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
Here’s what you need to make these crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli florets | 1½ heaping cups |
| Shredded Colby cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Velveeta cheese, diced | 4 oz |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ½ tsp |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 2¼ cups (divided) |
| Egg, lightly beaten | 1 |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Eggs, lightly beaten (for coating) | 2 |
| Vegetable or canola oil | For frying |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
1. Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green.
- Drain and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Finely chop the broccoli and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- Add the shredded Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, diced Velveeta, red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup of Panko breadcrumbs to the bowl with the chopped broccoli.
- Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Balls
- Stir in one lightly beaten egg to help bind the mixture together.
- Shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized portions using your hands.
4. Coat the Balls
- Prepare three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the two eggs.
- Bowl 3: Add the remaining 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in Panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
5. Fry the Bites
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the broccoli cheese balls in batches.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
6. Drain and Serve
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bites from the oil.
- Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Best Dipping Sauces for Broccoli Cheese Bites
These crispy bites taste even better with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are some great options:
- Ranch Dressing – A classic pairing that complements the crispy, cheesy bites.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo – Adds a creamy kick of heat.
- Garlic Aioli – A smooth, garlicky dip for extra flavor.
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy option.
- Marinara Sauce – Perfect if you love an Italian-style dip.
Health Benefits of Broccoli Cheese Bites
1. Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients
- Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and digestion.
2. Good Source of Protein and Calcium
- The cheese adds protein and calcium, essential for strong bones and muscles.
3. Provides a Balanced Snack Option
- These bites combine vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, making them a well-rounded snack.
4. Great Alternative to Fried Junk Food
- A homemade snack option with real ingredients instead of processed foods.
Expert Tips for the Best Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
1. Use Fresh Broccoli for the Best Flavor
- Fresh broccoli has a better texture and taste than frozen.
2. Don’t Skip the Freezing Step
- If your mixture is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before forming balls.
3. Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness
- For a thicker crunch, dip the bites twice in the egg and Panko breadcrumbs.
4. Use an Air Fryer for a Healthier Version
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Add More Seasonings for Extra Flavor
- Try garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
Delicious Variations of Broccoli Cheese Bites
1. Spicy Jalapeño Broccoli Bites 🌶️
- Add finely chopped jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Bites 🥓🧀
- Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
3. Gluten-Free Broccoli Bites 🌿
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of Panko.
4. Vegan Broccoli Bites 🌱
- Replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs.
5. Oven-Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites 🍽️
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing for Later
- Place the bites in a single layer on a tray, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a sealed bag.
- Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
3. Best Ways to Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain it completely to avoid excess moisture.
2. How do I prevent my bites from falling apart?
Make sure to chop the broccoli finely and use enough cheese and egg to bind them.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Try Parmesan, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These crispy broccoli cheese bites are the perfect snack, side dish, or appetizer—cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they’re sure to be a hit!
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Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites: A Flavorful Snack for Any Occasion 🥦🧀✨
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
These crispy broccoli cheese bites are the perfect savory snack—golden and crunchy on the outside, with a cheesy, gooey center. Made with tender broccoli, Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta cheese, they are flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. Perfect as a party appetizer, side dish, or fun snack, these bites will disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 1½ heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, diced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs (divided)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for coating)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green.
- Drain and let cool for a few minutes.
- Finely chop the broccoli and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- Add the shredded Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, diced Velveeta, red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup of Panko breadcrumbs to the bowl.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Shape the Bites
- Stir in one lightly beaten egg to help bind the mixture.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions using your hands.
4. Coat the Bites
- Set up three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Lightly beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Remaining 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat in Panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
5. Fry the Bites
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the bites in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.
Notes
- For a Healthier Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko and flour.
- Spicy Option: Add finely chopped jalapeños for a heat kick.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American