These Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are cheesy and crunchy bites that you can’t resist! Packed with fresh broccoli and melted cheese, they’re perfect as a snack or appetizer.
What’s great is that they’re homemade, so you know exactly what’s inside. Plus, my kids love them, and I love that they’re getting some veggies! Win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are a must for that vibrant green color and crunch. If you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli works too—just make sure to thaw and drain it well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these poppers a great flavor. For a fun twist, try using pepper jack for a bit of heat, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will make the poppers extra crispy. If you don’t have panko, plain breadcrumbs work, but they may not be as crunchy. You can even use crushed crackers as an alternative.
Eggs: The eggs bind the mixture together. For a vegan option, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
How Do I Make Perfectly Shaped Poppers?
Forming the poppers is quite important for uniform cooking and that perfect bite size. Here are my tips:
- Make sure the mixture is sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little water or another egg.
- Use a small scoop or your hands to form even balls (about 1.5 inches wide). This will help them cook evenly.
- Place them on a lined tray to minimize sticking as you prepare them.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Them?
You can choose your cooking method based on what you have and prefer:
- Frying: Gives a nice crispy texture but requires more oil. Keep your heat at medium to avoid burning.
- Air Frying: A healthier option that still delivers a good crunch with less oil. Don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking.
- Baking: This method is the least messy! Ensure you spray the tops with oil for a golden finish.
Enjoy making these Broccoli Cheddar Poppers, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients!
Broccoli Cheddar Poppers Homemade Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking oil spray or 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying or air frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, depending on your cooking method. So, in total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Broccoli:
Start by steaming or blanching the chopped broccoli florets until just tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes. After that, drain the broccoli well and use a kitchen towel or paper towels to pat it dry thoroughly. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensure your poppers are nice and crispy!
2. Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Add the eggs to the mixture and mix everything well until it’s evenly combined. You want the mixture to be sticky enough to hold its shape when you form the balls.
3. Form Poppers:
Using your hands or a small scoop, take portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Once you’re done shaping all the poppers, place them on a baking sheet or plate ready for cooking!
4. Cook:
Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the poppers in batches, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy all around (this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side). Make sure to drain them on paper towels afterward to remove excess oil.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the poppers with oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are nicely golden and crispy.
Baking: Alternatively, if you’d like to bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil, arrange the poppers on the sheet with some space between them, spray the tops lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through.
5. Serve:
Once your poppers are ready, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy cheddar dip. They make for a delightful appetizer, snack, or tasty side!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers that bring a delightful crunch to every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before chopping. Pat it dry to ensure your poppers stay crispy.
What if I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with crushed crackers or even oats. Just ensure they’re finely crushed to achieve a similar texture.
How to Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mash 1 banana, and use vegan cheese instead of cheddar and Parmesan. Just ensure your breadcrumbs are also vegan.