Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe with you because it’s one of those easy, feel-good bites that sneak veggies into your day without any fuss. These little gems are packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, quinoa, and broccoli, all held together with melty mature cheddar cheese—making them as tasty as they are nutritious.

Whether you need a party appetizer, a kid-friendly snack, or a savory lunchbox addition, this Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe works like a charm. I love how crispy they turn out on the outside but stay tender and flavorful inside. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully together. Each ingredient plays a key role in adding texture, flavor, and that perfect cheesy binding effect.

• Chickpeas: Using canned chickpeas saves time and adds creamy texture and protein.
• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa brings a fluffy and nutty base that lifts the bites.
• Broccoli: Boiled and chopped, it adds a fresh, bright flavor and loads of nutrients.
• Mature Cheddar Cheese: The star that melts and binds everything, giving the bites their irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note to balance flavors.
• Basil: Freshens the bites with a touch of sweetness and aroma.
• Onion Powder: Boosts the savory undertones.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Water: Helps to pulse the ingredients smoothly in the food processor and achieve the right consistency.

Variations

What I love about this Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve played around with spices and add-ins, and you should absolutely do the same to suit your cravings or diet.

• Spice it Up: Once, I added a pinch of smoked paprika and chili flakes for a smoky, spicy kick that my husband adored.
• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped cheddar for vegan cheese when a friend came over, and it worked surprisingly well—just make sure to check the meltability.
• Herbs Swap: Fresh parsley or dill are great alternatives for the thyme and basil if you want a fresher, brighter flavor.
• Additional Veggies: Grated carrots or finely chopped red bell pepper add a sweet crunch and make these bites even more colorful.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cooking your quinoa until it’s fluffy—usually about 15 minutes—and boiling the broccoli until tender but still bright green. I like to chop the broccoli nice and small so it blends well but still gives a little bite. Once these are ready, drain your chickpeas thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Step 2: Blend It All Together

Next, add your chickpeas, quinoa, broccoli, cheese, and all the spices into the food processor. Sometimes I blend in two batches because I want to make sure the cheese binds everything nicely throughout. Don’t forget to add a splash of water (start with ½ cup) to help get a smooth, uniform texture. Pulse carefully until the mixture is consistent but not pureed—it should still have a little texture to hold the bites together.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and give it a light spray of olive oil to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands, then gently flatten each one into a circular bite shape. I make them about 1.5 inches wide—bite-sized perfection! Before baking, spritz the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown around the edges. Let them cool a few minutes on the tray before digging in—this helps them firm up and keeps you from burning your mouth!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of tangy yogurt or a spicy sriracha mayo on the side adds a lovely dimension that my guests always rave about!

Side Dishes

To round out a meal, these bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. On casual days, I serve them alongside some crunchy carrot sticks and hummus for a wholesome, satisfying snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served Broccoli Cheese Bites on skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and olives—super cute and easy for guests to grab. Another fun idea is to place them in mini muffin liners to keep things tidy and elegant at buffet tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover broccoli cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. I find that letting them come back to room temperature before reheating helps keep their texture intact.

Freezing

These bites freeze beautifully! I usually freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to a ziplock bag to keep them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, you can bake or air-fry them straight from frozen for a quick and tasty snack.

Reheating

To reheat, I love popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, which crisps them back up nicely. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy, so the oven or air fryer is my go-to for maintaining that perfect bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe box because it strikes the perfect balance of easy, flavorful, and nutritious. I love sharing them with friends and family because they’re simply irresistible and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll be glad you did, and they’ll soon become one of your go-to snacks or appetizers too!

Broccoli Cheese Bites Recipe

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 30 cheese bites
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and nutritious Broccoli Cheese Bites made with chickpeas, quinoa, broccoli, and mature cheddar cheese, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. These savory bites are blended to a smooth consistency, shaped into rounds, and baked until golden brown, making a perfect healthy snack or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 15 oz can chickpeas (approximately 1 ½ cups)
• 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
• 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli, boiled
• 1 cup mature cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Others

• ½ – 1 cup water (as needed for blending)
• Olive oil spray (for baking sheet and finishing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the quinoa and broccoli: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy. Boil the chopped broccoli until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Combine ingredients in food processor: Add the chickpeas, cooked quinoa, boiled broccoli, shredded mature cheddar cheese, garlic powder, thyme, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a consistent texture. If needed, do this in batches, adding cheese to each batch to help bind the ingredients.
3. Add water as needed: If the mixture is too thick for the processor to blend smoothly, add ½ to 1 cup of water gradually to assist pulsing and achieve a better texture.
4. Preheat oven and prepare baking tray: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Form the cheese bites: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls using your hands. Flatten each ball slightly into a circular shape and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray.
6. Finish with olive oil and bake: Lightly spray the formed bites with more olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the bites from the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their texture and flavor at their best.

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Notes

• Ensure broccoli is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
• Cheddar cheese helps bind the bites; do not skip adding cheese to each batch if blending in portions.
• Adjust water quantity depending on the moisture content of cooked quinoa and broccoli.
• These bites can be served warm or at room temperature as a snack or appetizer.
• For a crispier exterior, you can broil the bites for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite (approx. 25 grams)
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 2.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg