The Broccoli Cheddar Bites are crispy, cheesy, and gooey. Classic combination of broccoli and cheese, breaded and fried crisp. Perfect for game day or a get-together with friends. This recipe is one that I found on the internet. Bennigan’s used to sell these delicious Broccoli Bites. I tend to dwell on things for years and it never occurred to me until the other day to google for the recipe. I found this posting and had to try them and they were really good. In fact, I made a small batch (to test the recipe) and the next day made a double batch.
These broccoli and cheese bites are great for minimal mess eating, and are great for on-the-go! They are also great to pack for lunchboxes and are freezer-friendly! Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza is a delectable fusion of wholesome broccoli and rich cheddar cheese. These gourmet bites are crafted to perfection, promising a symphony of flavors and a mouthwatering experience that turns any occasion into a gastronomic delight.
1. Gourmet Fusion: Indulge in the exquisite fusion of farm-fresh broccoli and the rich, creamy cheddar cheese. Each bite is a harmonious marriage of flavors that caters to the most discerning palates.
2. Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: Experience the textural wonder of crispy perfection on the outside, giving way to a tender and flavorful interior. The contrast in textures creates a sensory experience that elevates these bites to gourmet status.
3. Handcrafted Elegance: Each bite is a work of culinary art. Meticulously handcrafted, these bites showcase the dedication to quality and precision, ensuring a consistently delightful experience in every serving.
4. Versatile Appetizer: Elevate your entertaining game with these versatile bites. Whether you’re hosting a soirée, a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself, the Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
5. Wholesome Ingredients: Relish the goodness of wholesome ingredients. Real broccoli florets are paired with premium cheddar cheese, creating a snack that not only excites your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients.
6. Irresistible Cheese Pull: Prepare for the Instagram-worthy cheese pull moment. The luscious cheddar cheese inside these Broccoli Cheddar Bites creates a delightful and irresistible pull that adds to the overall sensory experience.
7. Oven-Baked Perfection: Baked to golden perfection in the oven, these bites boast a crispy exterior without the excess oil. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with every bite.
8. Perfect for Dipping: Enhance the experience by pairing these bites with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s a zesty garlic aioli, tangy barbecue, or a classic marinara, each bite becomes a canvas for flavor exploration.
9. Elegant Party Platter: – Elevate your party platter with the Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza. Impress your guests with a sophisticated and delicious addition to your appetizer spread.
10. Convenient Gourmet at Home: – Experience gourmet without the hassle. These Broccoli Cheddar Bites are conveniently frozen, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors at home with minimal effort. Bake and savor the goodness in no time.
Why Choose Our Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza?
- Gourmet Indulgence:
- Elevate your snacking experience with gourmet bites that showcase a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Quality Ingredients:
- Enjoy the goodness of real broccoli and premium cheddar cheese, ensuring that each bite is a wholesome and satisfying treat.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser:
- Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bites cater to a variety of occasions, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Handcrafted with Care:
- The handcrafted elegance of these bites reflects our commitment to quality and precision in delivering a gourmet experience to your palate.
- Convenient Gourmet:
- Bring the sophistication of gourmet bites to your home with the convenience of a frozen treat. Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with the ease of preparation.
INGREDIENTS
- fresh broccoli florets – fresh works best, but you can use frozen and steamed. You will not have as many florets using frozen.
- processed American cheese, cubed– Velveeta bran cheese works well in Broccoli Cheddar Bites.
- shredded cheddar cheese– I like to use a medium cheddar cheese.
- shredded Monterrey jack cheese– monterrey jack melts really well with the Velveeta. Colby or Muenster are other great options.
- eggs – large eggs work well.
- plain breadcrumbs– I use a traditional breadcrumb, but panko works well too.
- black pepper
- salt
- flour
- cornstarch– I always add cornstarch when frying because it makes the crust super crispy.
- vegetable oil– canola oil works well too.
- Ranch dressing
- cast iron skillet
INSTRUCTIONS
- Steam the broccoli florets. Set aside and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Chop the broccoli into ½ – ¼ inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Add the cheeses, 1 egg, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to the mixing bowl.
- To mix, use clean hands or a spatula. The broccoli should break down and fully blend with the cheese leaving smaller chunks.
- Roll the broccoli mixture into ping-pong ball-sized pieces. Place on a plate and chill in the fridge for 45 minutes. The bite can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Once ready to cook the bites, remove them from the fridge. Set up breading stations in a line starting with flour and cornstarch, 1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon of water, and then the breadcrumbs.
- With your left hand dredge bites in the flour. Transfer to your right hand and dip it in the egg and then the panko. Press the breading into the bites so it is evenly coated. Place the bite back on the plate. Repeat with remaining broccoli bites. Keeping one hand dry will be helpful to reduce sticking, and make the breading process more efficient.
- Add oil to the cast iron skillet. You want there to be about inches of oil in the bottom. If you are using a smaller or larger skillet adjust amount accordingly. Heat oil over medium-high heat. The oil will sizzle if you sprinkle a few breadcrumbs in it when it is ready. Do not add the broccoli bites too soon.
- Place bites in the pan using tongs. Keep them from touching so the pan is not too crowded and bites can cook evenly. Depending on the size of the pan you may need to do two batches.
- Cook broccoli bites for 90 seconds per side. Gently flip the bites, but if the breading begins to stick allow them a little more time.
- Remove broccoli bites from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately with ranch dipping sauce.
PREPARATION VARIATIONS
- Baking Instructions: Follow the above directions and bread prior to chilling. Once breaded, chill in the freezer for 45 minutes. To cook, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a lined sheet for 20 minutes.
- Freezing Instructions: Prepare Broccoli Cheddar Bites without a chilling step. Place uncooked breaded bites on a lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Freeze for an hour. Remove from sheet and store in a freezer back in the freezer.
Benefits Of Broccoli Cheddar Bites-
Each broccoli cheddar bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and culinary craftsmanship, which offers a range of benefits that make these gourmet bites a delightful addition to your snacking repertoire.
1. Wholesome Nutrition: Benefit from the nutritional powerhouse of broccoli. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, these bites contribute to your daily nutrient intake in a delicious and convenient form.
2. Calcium-rich indulgence: Enjoy the richness of premium cheddar cheese, a natural source of calcium. This essential mineral supports bone health and ensures you savor every bite with a side of nutritional goodness.
3. Antioxidant Boost: Broccoli is renowned for its antioxidant content. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, promoting overall well-being and contributing to a robust immune system.
4. Guilt-Free Pleasure: Relish the joy of indulgence without the guilt. Our Broccoli Cheddar Bites are oven-baked to golden perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior without the excess oil commonly found in fried snacks.
5. Immune System Support: The combination of broccoli and cheddar provides a boost to your immune system. Essential nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants play a vital role in supporting your body’s defense against illnesses.
6. Convenient Source of Fiber: Enhance your daily fiber intake with the natural fiber found in broccoli. Fiber aids digestion promotes a feeling of fullness and supports a healthy gut environment.
7. No Artificial Additives: Experience purity in every bite. Our bites are crafted with care, and free from artificial additives, ensuring that you enjoy a natural and authentic snacking experience.
8. Gourmet Flavors, Real Ingredients: Revel in gourmet flavors without compromising on quality. Real broccoli florets and premium cheddar cheese come together to create a snack that’s both indulgent and genuinely crafted.
9. Energy-Boosting Snack: – Whether you’re combating the afternoon slump or need a pre-workout boost, the Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza provides a satisfying and energy-boosting snack to fuel your activities.
10. Perfect for All Occasions: – From movie nights to party platters, these bites are versatile and cater to various occasions. Enjoy the benefits of wholesome snacking without sacrificing taste.
For these broccoli cheddar bites, we mix chopped steamed broccoli with cheddar, torn bread, onion, eggs, and mayo, and bake them in mini muffin tins until toasty brown.
A Make-Ahead Appetizer That Freezes Well
The Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza is perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or school lunch. You can easily make a batch or two ahead, and chill or freeze, then reheat in the microwave when ready to serve. Enjoy! This recipe has a few steps but is very easy to put together and is so delicious. The ingredients are simple, and once you get the hang of breading and frying making these is a breeze. These broccoli bites can also be baked if you aren’t into frying, and can be frozen for later use.
FAQ:
Is broccoli a good snack for weight loss?
As a low-fat cruciferous vegetable, broccoli has several benefits for weight loss. Its rich antioxidant properties and abundance of micronutrients make it a top choice among our favourite nutritious foods, especially when calorie intake needs to be minimised.
Can I eat broccoli every day?
Regularly incorporating broccoli into your daily diet can contribute to stronger bones and potentially lower the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. Broccoli can be a beneficial inclusion in the diet of those seeking to manage their weight.
How to eat broccoli?
Boiling will remove up to 90% of broccoli’s nutrients, so prepare it a different way. It’s easy to roast, steam, stir-fry, or microwave. You can also eat broccoli raw with a side of hummus or salad dressing.
What organ is broccoli good for?
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. It may also offer several benefits, especially for eye health, heart health, and disease prevention.
What is the Favourite way to eat broccoli?
Cube broccoli stalks and add to your favorite soup or casserole for a boost of nutrition. Perfect in Pasta. Blanche broccoli florets and add to your favorite whole wheat pasta salad before chilling, or toss with a little olive oil and add to hot pasta for a delicious and filling dish. Stir-Fry.
What to pair with broccoli?
The best dishes to serve with broccoli are cashew chicken, Mongolian beef, brown rice and vegetables, quinoa, lo mein, fried shrimp, crispy tofu, steak fajitas, garlic bread, parmesan roasted potatoes, grilled chicken, baked salmon, spinach salad, cauliflower rice, and couscous.
Conclusion: Transform your snacking moments into a gourmet affair with the Broccoli Cheddar Bites Extravaganza. From the first crispy bite to the luxurious cheese pull, savor the indulgence of these handcrafted delights that redefine the art of snacking.
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