The Crunchiest Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites Recipe Ever

Crispy, golden-brown edges cradle a secret weapon of cheesy fried broccoli bites that promise pure appetizer magic.

These irresistible morsels pack a serious flavor punch with every single bite.

Melted cheese mingles with tender broccoli, creating a seriously addictive snack that disappears faster than you can plate them.

The perfect blend of crunchy exterior and creamy interior makes these bites an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Savory and satisfying, they transform humble vegetables into an exciting culinary experience.

Serve these delectable nibbles and watch as everyone reaches for seconds, unable to resist their cheesy, crispy allure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites Ingredient List

• Colby Cheese: Adds mild, buttery flavor with smooth melting quality for irresistible texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy richness and creates golden color depth.
• Velveeta: Ensures ultra-creamy consistency and helps bind ingredients together seamlessly.

• Egg: Acts as crucial glue that holds all ingredients compact and prevents crumbling.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy exterior and light, airy coating for perfect crunch.
• Flour: Creates initial dry layer that helps breading stick and produces golden-brown surface.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and exciting spicy kick to complement cheesy base.
• Broccoli: Delivers nutritious vegetable foundation with earthy, slightly bitter undertones.

What You Need to Make Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

• Large Skillet: Essential for deep-frying the broccoli bites with even heat distribution.
• Thermometer: Crucial for maintaining precise oil temperature at 375°F for perfect frying.
• Medium to Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining broccoli, cheeses, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Paper Towel-Lined Tray: Helps drain excess oil after frying, keeping bites crispy.
• Three Shallow Bowls: Needed for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating stages.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Required for finely chopping cooled broccoli.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and handle bites during frying.

Instructions to Cook Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

• Broccoli Preparation

Gently steam broccoli until tender, allowing it to cool and release excess moisture.

• Cheesy Mixture Creation

Combine chopped broccoli with shredded cheese varieties, adding a kick of red pepper flakes and binding ingredients to form a cohesive blend.

• Bite Formation

Shape the mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres, ensuring even consistency and size.

• Chilling Period

Refrigerate the formed bites to help them set and maintain structural integrity.

• Breading Station

Set up a three-part coating process using flour, beaten eggs, and crispy breadcrumbs for a perfect golden exterior.

• Oil Temperature

Heat oil to the optimal frying temperature, maintaining a steady and consistent heat.

• Coating Process

Carefully roll each broccoli sphere through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb layers for maximum crunch.

• Frying Technique

Gently lower bites into hot oil, cooking in small batches to ensure even browning and crispy texture.

• Draining and Serving

Transfer fried bites to paper towels to remove excess oil, then plate and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips & Add-Ins for Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

• Add minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, or Italian herbs to the mixture for extra kick and complexity.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked broccoli bites up to 2 weeks in advance, then fry directly from frozen for convenient meal prep.
• Swap deep-frying with baking at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, lightly spraying with cooking oil to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Serve with ranch, marinara, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard sauce to elevate the appetizer experience.

Serving Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites Creatively

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden bites on a large wooden board with colorful toothpicks, creating an inviting appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside cool ranch, zesty marinara, or creamy garlic aioli sauces to complement the crispy, cheesy broccoli bites and enhance their rich flavors.
• Game Night Snack: Pair these bite-sized treats with cold beer or chilled white wine during sports events, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Keto-Friendly Twist: For low-carb guests, offer a side of fresh salad greens or cucumber slices to balance the indulgent fried bites and provide a lighter option.

Store Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites Right

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover broccoli bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange uncooked breaded broccoli balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient storage up to 1 month, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy results and maintaining the delightful crunch.
• Smart Prep Technique: Prepare breading stations and form broccoli balls in advance, keeping them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying, which helps ingredients meld and simplifies last-minute cooking.

Crispy Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy cheesy fried broccoli bites deliver a crowd-pleasing appetizer with bold flavor combinations. These golden-brown morsels blend sharp cheddar, fresh broccoli, and a perfectly seasoned exterior that invites you to savor each delightful crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh)
• 1 cup Colby cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 4 oz (113 g) Velveeta (cut into small cubes)
• 2 ¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs (1 egg for mixture, 2 eggs for breading)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Finely chop steamed broccoli and transfer to a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform texture and size.
2. Mixture Creation: Blend Colby, Cheddar, and Velveeta cheeses with red pepper flakes, Panko breadcrumbs, and whisked egg, thoroughly incorporating all ingredients into the broccoli base.
3. Shaping: Gently form the mixture into compact, uniform spheres using light hand pressure, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
4. Chilling: Refrigerate the formed bites for one hour to solidify structure and allow flavors to meld intensely.
5. Breading Station: Organize three distinct coating zones – first with flour, second with beaten eggs, and third with remaining Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
6. Oil Preparation: Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, monitoring temperature precisely with a kitchen thermometer to ensure optimal frying conditions.
7. Coating Process: Methodically coat each broccoli sphere by rolling through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations, ensuring complete and even coverage for a perfect crisp exterior.
8. Frying Technique: Carefully lower breaded bites into hot oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and achieve consistent golden-brown coloration.
9. Finishing: Cook until exterior turns deep amber and crispy, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform browning and thorough cooking.
10. Serving: Drain fried bites on paper towels to remove excess oil, then serve immediately while hot and crisp as an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Chill for Cohesion: Refrigerating the mixture for an hour helps bind ingredients, preventing crumbling during frying and intensifying flavor development.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain oil at exactly 375°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the delicate cheese bites.
• Breading Technique: Create a three-stage coating process to ensure maximum crunch and even coverage, preventing soggy or uneven breading.
• Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding the skillet during frying to guarantee each bite achieves uniform crispiness and optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg