These Broccoli Cheese Bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion—golden, crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside. Paired with a refreshing Herby Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!
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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPE
IRRESISTIBLY CHEESY & CRISPY! These Broccoli Cheese Bites are quick to prepare, versatile, and packed with nutritious broccoli alongside Greek yogurt. Whether served at parties, as a snack, or a family-friendly appetizer, they deliver a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
Jump to:
- WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPE
- INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED BROCCOLI CHEESE BITES
- HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPE
- FAQ Recipe Notes & Substitutions
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPES
- EQUIPMENT
- FUN FACTS: THE EVOLUTION OF PARTY FOODS
- From Canapés to Broccoli Bites
- NFL Game Days: A Foodie's Paradise
- Broccoli Bites for the Win
- DIET CATEGORIES FOR BAKED BROCCOLI CHEESE BITES
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED BROCCOLI CHEESE BITES
- Broccoli: The star of the show, broccoli provides a tender base with a subtle earthiness while being rich in vitamins C and K.
- Breadcrumbs: These add structure and a light, crispy texture to the bites. Choose herbed breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Eggs: Act as the binding agent, holding the mixture together as it bakes.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Colby, or Gruyère contribute richness, a sharp tang, and gooey melted goodness.
- Shallots/Scallions: Provide a mild oniony flavor that complements the broccoli.
- Garlic: A must-have for flavor, garlic adds depth and aromatic goodness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the flavors in the bites.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps the bites bake to a golden, crispy perfection.
- Greek Yogurt (for the sauce): The creamy base for the dipping sauce, adding protein and a slight tang.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Brighten up the sauce with fresh citrusy notes.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro): Add vibrant color and a herbaceous punch to the yogurt sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the sauce’s creaminess and rounds out its flavors.
HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPE
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients with a spatula until well combined. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the broccoli bites.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Chop and cook broccoli: Pull apart a head of fresh broccoli into florets pieces, including stems.
Steam over boiling water for 3 minutes until bright green and tender. Remove, cool under cold tap water and drain well. Roughly chop into ¼” (.6cm) size pieces. - Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients (except the oil spray) in a large bowl. Mix and mash the ingredients together with both hands. I like to wear gloves while doing so.
- Form Bites: Scoop with a small #30 scoop so they are shaped into balls (scoop diameter: 1.6inch/4cm, 1.5Tbsp/.8oz). Place on parchment lined tray/s, making 24 bite sized appetizer balls. Leave in a ball or press half-way flat.
- Bake: Spray the bites with olive oil spray and bake for 25 minutes on400°F (200°C), or until golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Serve the bites warm with the Herby Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce. Enjoy!
FAQ Recipe Notes & Substitutions
- Broccoli: I prefer fresh broccoli, you can use frozen.
- Bread Crumb Options: I like to use Pepperidge Farm Restaurant-Style Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing, or grind dried out leftover sour dough, or panko.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and shape balls, refrigerate (not freeze), and bake when ready.
- Store & Reheat: Cool bites, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven (350°F/180°C for 5 minutes).
- Freezing: These freeze well, thaw before reheating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with ¾ cup (75g) almond meal.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE HEALTHY APPETIZER RECIPES
Make sure to search the word APPETIZER on Bite Me Industries Blog for more great ideas like these:
- Homemade Rosemary Crackers
- Fresh Blender Salsa or Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
- Sweet Potato Hummus
- …and more!
EQUIPMENT
These tools will make preparation seamless and cooking enjoyable!
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and mashing the ingredients together easily.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping broccoli and herbs precisely.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing broccoli, shallots, and fresh herbs.
- Garlic Press: for mincing garlic quickly
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking tray, ensuring the bites don’t stick and make cleanup a breeze.
- Baking Sheet: A large tray with a flat surface to bake all the bites evenly.
- Small Cookie Scoop (#30): To form evenly sized balls quickly and easily, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Spatula: To mix the Herby Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce and scrape the bowl clean.
- Steamer Basket: To perfectly steam the broccoli while retaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Here is a cookware set that I adore for the following reasons: Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Induction-Compatible Pots & Pans, PFAS & PFOA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, 600°F Oven Safe, Metal Utensil Safe, Stainless Steel.
- Olive Oil Spray: For lightly coating the bites to help them crisp up in the oven.
FUN FACTS: THE EVOLUTION OF PARTY FOODS
From Canapés to Broccoli Bites
Broccoli bites represent a modern twist on finger foods, a tradition dating back to medieval banquets when small, hand-held dishes—like bread topped with savory spreads—were served to guests. By the 20th century, the popularity of appetizers like cocktail meatballs and cheese dips grew, fueled by social gatherings, especially those tied to sports.
NFL Game Days: A Foodie's Paradise
Game day snacking has become a beloved tradition since the NFL's rise in popularity during the mid-20th century. The Super Bowl, first held in 1967, isn’t just the biggest event in football—it’s also the second-largest food consumption day in the U.S. (after Thanksgiving). Foods like wings, nachos, and creative finger foods, including healthier bites like these broccoli cheese appetizers, have since become game-day staples, emphasizing communal dining and fun.
Broccoli Bites for the Win
Broccoli itself has a fascinating history—it was first cultivated in ancient Rome and praised for its health benefits. Pairing it with cheese and baking it as a bite-sized treat combines modern convenience with timeless ingredients, making these bites a touchdown-worthy addition to any gathering.
DIET CATEGORIES FOR BAKED BROCCOLI CHEESE BITES
Bite Me Industries is a produce-centric blog celebrating seasonal ingredients, with a strong emphasis on baking and flavor-driven recipes for the home kitchen that transport you to your favorite café, bakery, or bistro for a special meal or indulgence. The diet categories listed below are provided for your convenience and are not intended as nutritional advice.
Here is a quick reference if you are trying to meet a dietary consideration:
- GF (Gluten-Free): Yes, with a simple substitution of almond meal for breadcrumbs.
- NF (Nut-Free): Yes, as written, the recipe is nut-free.
- SF (Sugar-Free): Yes, this recipe contains no added sugar.
- VE (Vegetarian): Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli (400g) 13oz, roughly chopped steamed to soft, cooked broccoli
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (60g), panko or Pepperidge Farms
- 2 large eggs (100g)
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (75g), Cheddar, Colby, or Gruyère
- 2 shallots finely sliced, or scallions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Herby Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (227g)
- ½ Lemon Zest and Juice
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon basil fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chives fresh, chopped
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (10ml)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients with a spatula until well combined. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the broccoli bites.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Chop and cook broccoli: Pull apart a head of fresh broccoli into florets pieces, including stems.
- Steam over boiling water for 3 minutes until bright green and tender. Remove, cool under cold tap water and drain well. Roughly chop into ¼” (.6cm) size pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients (except the oil spray) in a large bowl. Mix and mash the ingredients together with both hands. I like to wear gloves while doing so.
- Form Bites: Scoop with a small #30 scoop so they are shaped into balls (scoop diameter: 1.6inch/4cm, 1.5Tbsp/.8oz). Place on parchment lined tray/s, making 24 bite sized appetizer balls. Leave in a ball or press half-way flat.
- Bake: Spray the bites with olive oil spray and bake for 25 minutes on400°F (200°C), or until golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Serve the bites warm with the Herby Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Broccoli: I prefer fresh broccoli, you can use frozen.
- Bread Crumb Options: I like to use Pepperidge Farm Restaurant-Style Herb
- Seasoned Classic Stuffing, or grind dried out leftover sour dough, or panko.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and shape balls, refrigerate (not freeze), and bake when ready.
- Store & Reheat: Cool bites, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven (350°F/180°C for 5 minutes).
- Freezing: These freeze well, thaw before reheating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with ¾ cup (75g) almond meal.
Nutrition
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