Introduction

Broccoli cheddar bites are a delicious, cheesy, and crispy appetizer or snack that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. These savory bites are packed with wholesome broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, making them a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy more vegetables. When paired with a creamy garlic aioli dip, the flavor combination becomes even more irresistible, adding a punch of garlicky richness to every bite. These broccoli cheddar bites are perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun side dish at dinner. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients

For the broccoli cheddar bites:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (for baking or pan-frying)

For the garlic aioli dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. If using fresh broccoli, steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 5 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions.
2. Chop the broccoli finely and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients for the Bites

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan.
2. Add the eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to form into balls or patties.

Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheddar Bites

1. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
2. Place the formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Cook the Bites

• For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the broccoli cheddar bites with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
• For Pan-Frying: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Place the broccoli cheddar bites in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Aioli Dip

1. While the bites are cooking, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or let the aioli sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to mellow out the garlic.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the broccoli cheddar bites are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven or skillet and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Serve the bites warm with the garlic aioli dip on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just make sure it’s cooked and well-drained before chopping.
• To make the bites extra crispy, you can roll them in a little extra breadcrumbs before baking or frying.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• If you like spicy flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broccoli mixture for a bit of heat.
• The garlic aioli can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli cheddar bites with garlic aioli dip are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish. They make a great addition to party platters, alongside other finger foods like chicken wings or sliders. You can also serve them as a kid-friendly snack, or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. For more indulgent options, consider serving them with additional dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips

1. Make ahead and freeze: These broccoli cheddar bites can be made in advance and frozen. After forming the bites, place them on a tray and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply bake or fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Customize your cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella, for different flavor profiles.
3. Don’t overfill the pan: If pan-frying, work in batches to ensure the bites cook evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding the pan can result in soggy bites.
4. Use a food processor: For quicker preparation, you can pulse the broccoli and other ingredients in a food processor to combine everything more easily.
5. For extra richness: You can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the broccoli mixture for a creamier texture inside.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Total Time:

• 35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g

Conclusion

These broccoli cheddar bites with garlic aioli dip offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The crispy exterior gives way to a cheesy, broccoli-packed center, while the garlic aioli adds a rich, tangy kick that elevates each bite. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or enjoying them as a fun snack, these bites are not only delicious but also packed with veggie goodness. Serve them warm with the garlic aioli dip, and watch as they disappear in no time!

Broccoli Cheddar Bites with Garlic Aioli Dip Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the broccoli cheddar bites:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (for baking or pan-frying)

For the garlic aioli dip:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. If using fresh broccoli, steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 5 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions.
2. Chop the broccoli finely and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients for the Bites

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan.
2. Add the eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to form into balls or patties.

Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheddar Bites

1. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
2. Place the formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Cook the Bites

• For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the broccoli cheddar bites with olive oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
• For Pan-Frying: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Place the broccoli cheddar bites in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Aioli Dip

1. While the bites are cooking, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or let the aioli sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to mellow out the garlic.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the broccoli cheddar bites are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven or skillet and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Serve the bites warm with the garlic aioli dip on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sodium: 340mg
• Protein: 8g