AppetizerReader rated
Broccoli Bites
These crispy little bites are a delicious way to enjoy your greens with a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re easy to make and loved by both kids and adults alike.
◷1 hr 4 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Prep Oven and Broccoli
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop the broccoli florets in a food processor—work in batches and pulse about 20 times each until it looks like rice.
2
Steam Broccoli Rice
Pour about half an inch of water into a wide saucepan, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, add the broccoli rice, cover, and let it simmer for around 5 minutes until it’s tender. Drain the broccoli and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
3
Squeeze out excess moisture
Once cool, transfer the broccoli rice to a clean kitchen towel. Gather the towel around the broccoli and squeeze tightly to get rid of as much moisture as you can.
4
Mix Ingredients Together
In a big bowl, mix together the cheddar, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, parsley, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Add the drained broccoli rice and stir until everything sticks together enough to form little balls.
5
Shape and Press Tots
Use a small scoop or spoon about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball, then press it into a small tot shape using hands lightly brushed with oil. Place each one on your baking sheet and repeat until all the mixture is used.
6
Bake and Crisp Tots
Drizzle a little olive oil over the tots and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt on top. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 24 minutes, turning them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little bites are packed with flavor and nutrients. They are a great way to enjoy vegetables in a fun and crispy form. Perfect for snacks or appetizers, they appeal to both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. They pair well with fresh salads or a light soup for a balanced meal or party platter.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy rather than using the microwave.
