Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
These golden broccoli bites are crispy outside, cheesy and tender inside — perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Servings
4–6 servings
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Bites
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Crispy Coating
- Extra panko breadcrumbs
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
Drain well and finely chop.
Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chopped broccoli
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Mix until fully combined.
3. Shape the Bites
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.
For extra crunch, coat lightly in additional panko and Parmesan.
4. Cook
Pan-Fry Method
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Oven Method
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce
Mix mayonnaise or yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve
Serve hot with creamy garlic sauce.
Optional Add-Ins
- Crumbled feta
- Red chili flakes
- Chopped spinach
- Cooked bacon bits
- Cheddar cheese
Tips
- Squeeze excess moisture from broccoli for crispier bites.
- Chill mixture for 10 minutes if too soft to shape.
- Best served fresh and hot.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
