Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites: A Crispy, Cheesy Snack Everyone Will Love

Looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy your veggies? These Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites combine the goodness of fresh broccoli with a blend of Colby, Cheddar, and Velveeta cheeses, all wrapped in a crispy Panko breadcrumb coating. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food, these bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside—so good even picky eaters will love them!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 4 oz. Velveeta, cut into small cubes
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 ¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for breading)
• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Steam the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli florets until they are soft. Let them cool slightly before handling.

2. Chop the Broccoli:
Finely chop the cooled broccoli and place it into a medium to large mixing bowl.

3. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the Colby cheese, Cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg to the chopped broccoli. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.

4. Shape the Bites:
Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the broccoli mixture and form it into small balls. Place the broccoli balls on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.

5. Prepare for Breading:
Set up three bowls:

• One with flour
• One with the beaten eggs
• One with the remaining Panko breadcrumbs

6. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable or canola oil to reach 375°F. Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature throughout frying.

7. Bread the Bites:
Remove the broccoli bites from the refrigerator. Coat each ball in flour, dip it into the egg, and then roll it in the Panko breadcrumbs, making sure each bite is fully coated.

8. Fry the Bites:
Fry the broccoli bites in batches, ensuring there’s space between each one in the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.

9. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, transfer the broccoli bites to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm and enjoy their crispy, cheesy goodness!

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving
• Servings: 20-24 bites

Pro Tips:

• Cheese Substitutes: You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
• Make Ahead: These bites can be prepared and frozen before frying. When ready to serve, simply fry them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• Dipping Sauce: Pair these cheesy bites with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli for even more flavor.

These Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a game-day snack or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Packed with broccoli and cheese, they’re a fun way to sneak some veggies into your diet while indulging in a delicious, cheesy treat! Enjoy!

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