These little broccoli and cheese bites are tasty, kid‑friendly finger foods that are perfect for on‑the‑go snacking, lunchboxes, or even as a side dish. They’re freezer‑friendly and easy to make in batches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and sneaky — the broccoli is disguised with cheese, making it more appealing to picky eaters.
Easy to prep and bake — minimal fuss.
Freezer‑friendly — great for meal prep.
Versatile — adjustments possible for dietary preferences (egg‑free, gluten‑free, dairy‑free).

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup cooked broccoli florets (finely chopped)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup shredded cheese
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Boil the broccoli florets for about 3 minutes, then drain and finely chop into small pieces. Add to a mixing bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheese, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, and optional salt into the bowl with the broccoli.
Stir until well combined.
Press the mixture into a mini muffin pan (gently compacting each).
Bake at 375 °F for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Let the bites cool fully before removing from the pan and serving.

Servings and timing

Makes: 20 mini bites
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Egg‑free: Use a “flax egg” made by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water; let it gel before using.
Gluten‑free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten‑free breadcrumbs.
Dairy‑free: Use a dairy‑free shredded cheese alternative.
Cheese blends: Use mozzarella for a milder taste or mix cheddar, jack, or other cheese blends for more flavor.
You can make them larger than mini size — just increase baking time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place cooled bites in a single layer in a freezer‑safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350 °F for ~5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat for 15–20 seconds (or until warm).
- From frozen: Let thaw or microwave on high for 20–30 seconds, then crisp in the oven if desired.

FAQs

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or even finely crushed crackers. The texture may vary slightly.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of cooked?

Yes, but you’ll want to blanch or steam it briefly so it’s tender. Raw broccoli may release too much moisture and make the bites soggy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely — finely grated carrot, zucchini (squeezed dry), or even spinach can work. Just adjust the binding if needed.

Do I need to grease the muffin pan?

Yes, if it’s not nonstick or silicone, lightly grease or use cooking spray so the bites release easily.

Are these suitable for toddlers?

Yes — they’re great for little ones, but be mindful of salt and seasoning levels if serving to very young children.

Can I freeze them after baking?

Yes — once cooled, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a sealable bag or container. Use within 3 months.

How do I know when they’re done?

They’ll be golden on top and feel firm (not mushy) when gently pressed.

Can I make them without onion or garlic for picky eaters?

Yes — omit or reduce those seasonings. You can boost flavor in other ways (e.g. a bit more cheese or mild herbs).

Can I use full‑size muffin pans instead of mini?

Yes — just pack the mixture in and bake a little longer until golden and cooked through.

Can I increase the batch size easily?

Yes — multiply ingredients proportionally and bake in multiple pans or batches.

Conclusion

These Broccoli and Cheese Bites are a wonderfully adaptable snack — wholesome, kid‑friendly, and freezer‑ready. Whether for lunchboxes, snacks, or adding a veggie boost to your menu, they’re a great recipe to keep handy. Let me know if you’d like a slightly different version (say, vegan or gluten‑free) or tips on scaling them up!