Crispy Baked Cheesy Broccoli Bites Recipe
This crispy cheese baked broccoli recipe delivers a deliciously cheesy, crunchy side dish or appetizer that everyone will love. Coated in a mixture of sharp cheddar, fresh parmesan, Italian bread crumbs, and garlic powder, then baked to golden perfection, these broccoli bites are perfect for dipping in ranch dressing or enjoying on their own. They’re simple to make, kid-friendly, and a great way to add extra vegetables to your meal with a flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat, Low Salt
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (refrigerated)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Egg Wash
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix the breading: In a separate bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, grated sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, ensuring an even distribution of each ingredient.
- Coat the broccoli: Dip each broccoli piece first into the egg wash to fully coat it, then transfer it into the breading mixture. Press the broccoli gently but firmly into the bread crumbs and cheese mixture to ensure full and even coverage for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange and bake: Place the breaded broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes, checking around 20 minutes. Baking time depends on the size of your broccoli pieces; you’re aiming for a crispy golden exterior.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the broccoli from the oven and enjoy immediately. These crispy bites are great on their own or served with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh grated parmesan cheese refrigerated in the dairy section rather than shredded parmesan from the pasta aisle, as the finer cheese helps it stick better to the broccoli.
- Cut broccoli mostly into florets with a little bit of stem to make them easy to pick up as finger food.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture.