Author: Donna | Published: |
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Get ready for some cheesy goodness with these three cheese broccoli bites. A delightful combination of potato, broccoli, and lots of cheese will have you reaching for 'one more pop' time and time again. Whip up a batch and have them crisping up in the air fryer in no time.
Crispy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese on the inside.
Three Cheese Broccoli Bites
Crunchy, cheesy, with a pop of broccoli, these cheesy broccoli bites are so moreish, that you won't be able to stop at just one.
The perfect snack, they are super easy to whip up, and are freezer-friendly to boot, meaning you can have some hidden away in the freezer for a busy day when the craving for a savory snack hits.
Or when you want a homemade dinner on the table but you have no time to make it.
This recipe is:
- a great side dish, quick snack, or party appetizer.
- made with simple ingredients.
- an easy way to get kids to eat broccoli.
- full of melted cheesy goodness.
- freezer friendly.
Plus they taste delicious, which is what matters most at the end of the day.
Tips and Tricks
These bites can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli.
If using fresh, you'll need 1 large head, or 2 medium heads.
Ensure the broccoli is cooked until it is nice and soft so that it is easier to “mash” and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
If you would like this to be gluten-free then sub the breadcrumbs for some almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
This is a super versatile recipe, so feel free to add other ingredients to the mix, such as finely chopped spinach or grated carrots, for added nutritional value and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy broccoli bites make great appetizers as they are easy to eat one-handed. Simply serve with a dipping sauce and you are good to go.
They can also be part of a more substantial meal by serving with:
- a side salad;
- steamed rice and a dipping sauce (I especially love serving them with some tzatziki);
- as a veggie side to some grilled chicken breasts.
They can also be enjoyed with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ketchup, hummus, or sour cream.
Freezing and Storing Leftovers
Storing:
Allow the broccoli bites to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Re-heat in the air fryer or oven to crisp them back up. You can also use the microwave to reheat, however, they will be less crunchy on the outside.
Freezing:
These bites also freeze well once cooked.
Once cooled completely, place in a freezer-friendly container and store in the freezer for up to three months
To eat after freezing, simply allow them to thaw, and then reheat at 180C/350F for about 5 minutes.
Meal prepping:
For meal prepping you can make up the mixture, form balls, and then refrigerate (not freeze) until needed. Once you need them simply pop them in the preheated air fryer and you are good to go.
More Fabulous Broccoli Recipes
Once you have mastered these delicious little bites, try one of these broccoli recipes for your next culinary creation:
- Quick Vietnamese Pork Bowl With Broccoli Rice
- 5 Ingredient Cheddar and Riced Broccoli Fritters
- Cheesy Broccoli Sweet Potato Soup
- Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli
Or for one of my favorite versatile rice replacements, try making some riced broccoli.
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Three Cheese Broccoli Bites
Crunchy on the outside, and full of melted cheese goodness on the inside, these 3 cheese broccoli bites are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. A mixture of potato, 3 different types of cheese, and broccoli makes this snack perfectly moreish and delicous.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Anytime
Servings 20 balls
Calories 116 kcal
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) red potato peeled and cut into even sized chunks
- 1 lb (450g) fresh broccoli chopped into florets
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- ½ cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- ½ mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
Potatoes
Cover the potatoes with cold water and place over medium heat to cook. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Test the doneness of the potatoes with a fork. Insert the fork, and if it comes out easily then the potatoes are fully cooked.
2 lbs (900g) red potato
Drain the potatoes and add to a cold water bath for about 3-4 minutes, changing the water once or twice.
Once cooled, mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth with no lumps remaining.
Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to the boil. Using a steamer, steam the broccoli until it is tender, about 10 minutes.
1 lb (450g) fresh broccoli
Once cooked, add to a cold water bath for about 1 minute.
Prepare the cheese broccoli balls
Preheat an airfryer to 350F/180C
To a large bowl add the the mashed potatoes, broccoli, eggs, cheese, plain breadcrumbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
2 eggs, 1 cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, ½ mozzarella cheese, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper to taste
Mix ingredients together using your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is incorporated.
Form balls about the size of a golf ball. Arrange on baking paper.
Place panko breadcrumbs on a flat plate. Roll each potato ball in panko breadcrumbs and arrange on parchment paper again.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Spray the balls with the cooking oil and place in a single layer in the preheated air fryer for about 7-9 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
cooking oil spray
Notes
Leftovers
Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Re-heat in the air fryer or oven to crisp them back up.
Nutrition
Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 297mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 293IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
