Want to learn how to turn vegetables into a yummy snack your kids will love?
Toss frozen broccoli rice with shredded cheddar, an egg, a bit of flour, and your favorite seasonings, then bake for crispy, tasty bites the whole family will enjoy. These are like broccoli cheese soup transformed into finger food—perfect straight from the oven with a side of ranch for dipping.
You can also make these broccoli cheese bites with frozen cauliflower rice.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 (10 oz) bag frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice (about 3.5 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons flour (white or almond flour)
- Seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, garlic powder (or your favorite blend)
Start by microwaving the frozen broccoli rice according to the package directions. Transfer it to a fine strainer over the sink, let it cool briefly, then press and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible—this step helps the bites crisp up in the oven.
In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained broccoli rice with the egg, shredded cheddar, flour, and seasonings. Mix until evenly incorporated—garlic powder adds great flavor, but adjust seasonings to suit your family.
Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand to form patties—this helps them become extra crispy. This recipe yields about 16 bites.
Bake at 400° F for 15 minutes. Flip each patty with a spatula and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The crushed patties develop a toasty cheese crust that kids love.
These turned out amazing. Every bite has that crisp, cheesy flavor while hiding a serving of vegetables. Serve them as a snack with ranch or as a tasty side for dinner—kids (and adults) usually have no idea they’re getting veggies.
Helpful Tips
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts best and gives the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can work, but may contain additives that affect melting.
- Swap white flour for almond flour to lower carbs and add protein and fiber—both work in this recipe.
- If broccoli rice isn’t available, the broccoli-and-cauliflower blend or straight cauliflower rice produces a very similar result.
- A 10 oz bag of frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice equals roughly 3.5 cups.
- Adjust seasonings to taste—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of creole seasoning for heat all work well.
Print Recipe
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 (10oz) bag frozen broccoli or cauliflower rice (about 3.5 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar *see notes
- 2 tbsp white flour or almond flour
- seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Microwave the frozen broccoli rice according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly in a fine strainer and squeeze out excess liquid.
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In a medium bowl, combine the drained broccoli rice, egg, shredded cheddar, flour, and seasonings.
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Form about 16 small balls, place them on the prepared sheet, and flatten each into a small patty.
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Bake 15 minutes, flip with a spatula, then bake 8–10 more minutes until crispy and golden.
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Serve warm, plain or with ranch for dipping.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheddar gives the best melt and texture; pre-shredded cheese can be used if needed.
- White or almond flour both work. Almond flour reduces carbs and adds protein and fiber.
- If you can’t find plain broccoli rice, try a broccoli-and-cauliflower mix or use cauliflower rice alone.
- Customize seasonings to suit your taste—try garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of creole seasoning for heat.
Don’t forget to pin and save this healthy snack idea for later! 🙂
