A healthy and delicious snack idea! These baked broccoli bites are so easy to make thanks to frozen broccoli rice.
Want to learn how to turn vegetables into a yummy snack your kids will love?
These crispy broccoli cheese bites are an easy way to turn frozen vegetables into a fun snack the whole family can enjoy. Frozen broccoli rice is mixed with shredded cheddar cheese, egg, flour, and simple seasonings before being shaped into small bites and baked until golden and crisp.
The finished bites have a delicious toasted cheese flavor and a crispy outside while keeping plenty of nutritious vegetables inside. Serve them fresh from the oven with ranch dressing, your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them as a simple side dish with dinner.
You can also make this recipe with frozen cauliflower rice or a combination of broccoli and cauliflower rice, making it easy to use whatever you already have available.
You can also make these broccoli cheese bites with frozen cauliflower rice.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice, or a combination
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons flour, either white flour or almond flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings to taste
How to Prepare the Broccoli Rice
Microwave the frozen broccoli rice according to the package directions. Transfer the warm rice to a fine-mesh strainer and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Once it is cool enough to handle, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Removing the extra liquid is important because it helps the bites hold their shape and become crispier while baking.
Mix the Ingredients
Add the drained broccoli rice to a bowl along with the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and your preferred seasonings. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture can be shaped easily.
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder work especially well, but you can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Shape the Broccoli Cheese Bites
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of the broccoli mixture and roll them into balls before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Leave enough space between each ball so you can flatten them without the bites touching. This recipe should make approximately 16 small broccoli bites, depending on the size you choose.
Bake Until Crispy
Flatten each broccoli ball with your hands to create small patties. Flattening them helps eliminate the soft center and allows more of the surface to become golden and crispy during baking.
Bake the broccoli bites in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes. Carefully flip each one with a spatula, then continue baking for another 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the tops are golden brown.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are especially delicious while warm and crispy.
A Tasty Way to Enjoy More Vegetables
These baked broccoli bites are a great option when you want to make vegetables more appealing to kids. The melted cheddar gives them a familiar cheesy flavor, while the crispy texture makes them feel more like a fun finger food than a traditional vegetable side.
Serve them as an afternoon snack with ranch dressing or another favorite dip. They can also be served alongside dinner as an easy vegetable side dish.
Helpful Tips
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is a great choice because it melts nicely and provides a better texture. Pre-shredded cheese can also be used when needed, although the texture may be slightly different.
White flour and almond flour both work well in this recipe. Almond flour can be a useful option if you want to reduce the carbohydrates while adding some extra fiber and protein.
If frozen broccoli rice is difficult to find, look for a frozen broccoli and cauliflower rice blend. You can also use plain frozen cauliflower rice, which produces a very similar result.
A 10-ounce bag of frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice contains roughly 3½ cups of riced vegetables, although the exact amount can vary slightly by brand.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and Creole seasoning can all add extra flavor. For a little heat, you can also experiment with your favorite spicy seasoning.
These crispy broccoli cheese bites are simple, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare, making them a convenient snack or side dish for busy days.
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
This healthy baked snack is packed with vegetables while still being delicious and satisfying. Keeping a few bags of frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice in the freezer makes this recipe quick and convenient to prepare. These crispy bites are a fun way to enjoy vegetables and have a flavor similar to broccoli cheese soup in an easy-to-eat finger food.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: healthy snacks, kid friendly, vegetarian
Servings: 16 bites
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) 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, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Microwave the frozen broccoli rice according to the package instructions. Transfer it to a fine strainer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Squeeze and drain as much excess liquid as possible.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained broccoli rice, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and your preferred seasoning. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into approximately 16 small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each one to form small patties.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the bites with a spatula. Continue baking for another 8–10 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve warm on their own or with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheddar works especially well because pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and flavor. However, pre-shredded cheese can be used when needed.
- Both white flour and almond flour can be used. Almond flour provides fiber and protein and can make these broccoli bites lower in carbohydrates.
- If frozen broccoli rice is unavailable, a frozen broccoli and cauliflower rice blend is a great alternative. Plain cauliflower rice can also be used to create a similar result.
- Use any seasoning you prefer to customize the bites for your family. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Creole seasoning can all add extra flavor.