Kamil Perry
Broccoli cheese bites are a tasty treat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, deep-frying, and air-frying. The bites can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli, and the cooking method can vary depending on personal preference. Frozen broccoli cheese bites can be cooked by thawing and draining the frozen broccoli, chopping it into small pieces, and then baking, frying, or air-frying it until golden brown. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the chosen cooking method, but it typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes at temperatures between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Characteristics of cooking frozen broccoli cheese bites
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of broccoli | Fresh or frozen |
| Preparation | Steam, boil, or microwave broccoli until soft |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, Colby, muenster, or Mexican blend |
| Other ingredients | Breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion, salt, pepper, ground flaxseed, nutritional yeast, paprika, shallot |
| Cooking method | Deep fry, bake, air fry, or oven |
| Cooking temperature | 350-390°F |
| Cooking time | 10-25 minutes |
| Dipping sauce | Marinara sauce, honey mustard, hot mustard, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt dip |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the broccoli
Broccoli cheese bites can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli. If you are using fresh broccoli, cut the florets off the broccoli and break them up into medium pieces. Cut the thinner stem into about 2.5cm / 1-inch pieces. If you want to use the thick main stem, peel the outer skin and then cut into 2.5 cm / 1” x 1cm / 2/5” batons. Boil water in a large saucepan (or do this step in a steamer). Put the stems in first and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the florets and cook for another 3 minutes, or until soft. Drain the broccoli well and allow it to cool.
If you are using frozen broccoli, you can skip the steaming step. Simply thaw and drain the frozen broccoli and then finely chop it.
Once your broccoli is prepared, you can add in other ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices.
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Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, you can use a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or muenster. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar jack or a 4-cheese Mexican blend. If you are making these broccoli bites for kids, mozzarella is a good option as it is lower in sodium compared to other cheeses.
Start by steaming or boiling the broccoli florets until they are soft. Set them aside and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, chop the broccoli into small pieces. You can also use a food processor to blend the cooked broccoli, but make sure to squeeze out any excess water using a cheesecloth or paper towel.
Next, shred or grate your chosen cheese. In a separate bowl, combine the broccoli, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or onion powder for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients well until they are fully combined and the broccoli breaks down into smaller chunks.
If you want a smoother and creamier cheese sauce, you can blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. However, some people prefer a chunkier texture, so you can adjust the consistency according to your preference.
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Shaping the bites
Chopping the Broccoli:
Start by chopping the broccoli into small, evenly sized pieces. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this step. If using fresh broccoli, steam or boil the florets until soft, and then chop them into small pieces. Frozen broccoli can be thawed and drained before chopping, skipping the steaming step.
Mixing the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, and any desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and the broccoli is coated in the cheese and breading mixture. You can use a spatula or your clean hands for this step.
Forming the Bites:
Using a scoop or tablespoon, take portions of the broccoli mixture and form them into balls or bite-sized shapes. The size can vary depending on your preference, but a ping-pong ball size is often mentioned. Place the shaped bites on a plate or baking sheet, and chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour to set their shape.
Breading the Bites:
For an extra crispy texture, you can bread the broccoli cheese bites. Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture). Roll each bite first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs.
Chilling and Freezing:
Once the bites are shaped and breaded, you can chill them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. If you want to freeze the uncooked bites, place them on a lined cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen bites to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Shaping the broccoli cheese bites is a versatile step, allowing you to make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes them a convenient snack or appetizer that can be prepared in advance and cooked when needed.
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Cooking methods
Broccoli cheese bites can be baked, fried, or air-fried.
To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C. Then, prepare the bites as you would to fry them. Place them on a baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the bites and spray them again with oil if needed to help them turn golden brown. Bake for another 10 minutes, then check if they need to be cooked for longer.
To fry broccoli cheese bites, heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F/190°C. Place the bites in the fryer and cook until they are golden brown.
To air fry, assemble the bites as you would to fry them, then air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Rotate the bites and cook for another 5 minutes. Check if they are fully cooked, and if not, cook for a little longer.
If you are making the bites from scratch, you will need to steam or boil the broccoli before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but if you are using frozen, you will need to thaw and drain it first. You can also add other vegetables, such as cauliflower or carrots, to the mixture for extra flavour.
Once you have formed the mixture into balls, you can either bake, fry, or air fry them straight away, or chill them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Broccoli cheese bites are a great snack option for parties, game days, and gatherings. They are also a good way to sneak vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste. Here are some serving suggestions for broccoli cheese bites:
As a Snack or Appetizer
Broccoli cheese bites are perfect as a quick and easy snack or appetizer. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them convenient for various occasions. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for minimal-mess eating and on-the-go situations. Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as finger foods for picky eaters, both kids and adults.
As a Side Dish
These bites can be a tasty side dish for a weekly dinner or a brunch. They pair well with main courses like almond chicken or balsamic chicken. You can also serve them alongside other dishes like lemon rice pilaf and sautéed kale.
As a Main Course
For vegetarians or those looking for a meatless option, broccoli cheese bites can be a delicious main course. They are surprisingly filling, and you can serve them on a bed of rice or with a side salad for a more complete meal.
As a Freezer Meal
Broccoli cheese bites freeze well, so you can always have some on hand for a quick snack or meal. Once cooked, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
As a Party Food
Broccoli cheese bites are a fantastic option for parties as they can be served at room temperature and are easy to pop into your mouth. They are a fun and tasty way to include vegetables in your party spread. You can also get creative and experiment with different dips and sauces to serve alongside the bites, such as a creamy ranch dip or a spicy salsa.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onions.
No, you can use fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen broccoli, you can skip the steaming step as it is already soft.
You can use any type of cheese. Mozzarella is a good option as it is lower in sodium compared to other cheeses. Cheddar, Colby, and Muenster are also great options.
You can bake, fry, or air fry broccoli cheese bites. To bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. To fry, heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and fry until golden brown. To air fry, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 5 minutes, then rotate and cook for another 5 minutes or until done.
Yes, you can make the mixture and form it into balls, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
