Kid-Approved Crunchy Baked Broccoli & Cheese Bites! 🥦🧀✨
1. Introduction
Looking for healthy kids snacks that are both delicious and nutritious? These baked broccoli cheese bites are the perfect solution! They combine crunchy veggie bites with gooey cheese, making them irresistible even for picky eaters. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also offer a wholesome way to sneaking in vegetables into your child’s diet. Whether you’re making a snack for after school or a fun appetizer for gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
2. Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For more helpful kitchen tools that make preparing healthy snacks easier, check out the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — it makes chopping broccoli quick and effortless!
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Preparation of Ingredients
Before you start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Chop the broccoli into small, manageable pieces to ensure they blend well into the mixture.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be sticky but hold together when formed into bites.
Forming the Bites
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form balls or flat patties from the mixture. Place each on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Baking the Bites
Spray the formed bites lightly with olive oil spray to help them turn golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are crispy and lightly browned on the edges.
Cooling and Serving
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These crunchy veggie bites are best enjoyed warm with a dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup.
4. Storage Tips for Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy again. For longer storage, freeze the bites individually on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack.
5. Serving Suggestions
These healthy kids snacks are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a fun snack during playdates, pack them into lunchboxes, or serve as appetizers at parties. Pair with a side of healthy broccoli pasta or pasta dishes for a full vegetable-packed meal.
6. FAQs About Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or have fun experimenting with different cheese flavors to customize your bites.
How long do they take to prepare?
The entire process, from preparation to baking, takes approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack option for busy days.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for chopping broccoli quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup for your baking sheet and utensils.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Turn these baked bites into crispy snacks using an air fryer for an added crunch!
8. Conclusion
These baked broccoli cheese bites are a fantastic way to sneak veggies into kids’ diets while satisfying their cravings for crunchy, cheesy snacks. Easy to prepare and customizable, they’re a go-to for busy families seeking nutritious and delicious treats. Incorporate them into your weekly snack lineup and watch your kids ask for more! For more kid-friendly recipes and snack ideas, visit Sweet Wonders and explore our range of nutritious snacks.
9. Final thoughts
Making healthy snacks like these baked broccoli cheese bites at home ensures you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for aspiring home chefs and busy parents alike. Enjoy crunchy, veggie-filled bites that your kids will love!
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Kid-Approved Crunchy Baked Broccoli & Cheese Bites!
Kid-Approved Crunchy Baked Broccoli & Cheese Bites! 🥦🧀✨ are a wholesome, kid-friendly snack that combines crispy baked broccoli with gooey cheese for a delicious and nutritious treat. Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or as an after-school snack, these bites are easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids of all ages.
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: about 20 bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Chop the broccoli into small, manageable pieces to ensure they blend well into the mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form balls or flat patties from the mixture. Place each on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Spray the formed bites lightly with olive oil spray to help them turn golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly browned on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup.
Notes
- For gluten-free options, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal.
- You can customize the cheese mixture by adding mozzarella, pepper jack, or other favorites.
- Ensure broccoli is chopped small enough for even mixing and shaping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 90 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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