Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Bites

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Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Bites

🛒 Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1 large egg

  • ⅓ cup almond flour (acts as a low-carb binder)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Coating Station:

  • 1 large egg (beaten)

  • ½ cup crushed pork rinds, low-carb breadcrumbs, or traditional panko

👩‍🍳 Execution Steps

  1. Prep the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender. Let them cool slightly, then place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Chop them up very finely.

  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl (just like in your first photo!), combine the finely chopped broccoli, cheddar, parmesan, 1 egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients hold together.

  3. Form the Bites: Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll them tightly between your hands to form uniform balls and place them on a plate.

  4. Coat for Crunch: Set up a quick breading station. Dip each broccoli ball lightly into the beaten egg, let the excess drip off, and then roll it in your crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs until fully coated.

  5. Cook to Perfection:

    • Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

    • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

💡 Pro-Tip

Freshly shredding your cheddar from a block rather than buying pre-shredded cheese will give you that glorious, stringy “cheese pull” shown in the bottom right photo! Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting perfectly.

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