Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites with Creamy Cheese Dip

Ingredients — Broccoli Cheese Bites

3 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil, if baking

Creamy Cheese Dip

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli
Steam or boil the broccoli for 3–4 minutes, just until tender. Drain very well and allow it to cool. Finely chop it or pulse briefly in a food processor.

2. Make the mixture
Add broccoli, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, dill, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

3. Shape
Take about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll it firmly into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more breadcrumbs.

4. Cook

Oven: Place on a lined baking sheet, lightly brush/spray with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once.
Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through.
Cook until golden brown and crispy outside.

5. Make the dip
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar, milk, garlic powder, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for better flavor.

6. Serve
Serve the hot crispy broccoli cheese bites immediately with the creamy cheese dip.

Nut & Allergy Information

Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are required in this recipe.
Contains: Milk/dairy and egg.
Gluten: Breadcrumbs usually contain wheat. For gluten-free bites, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nut allergy: Check the labels of breadcrumbs, cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings for peanut/tree-nut cross-contact if preparing for someone with a severe allergy.
For a completely nut-free preparation, use products specifically labeled nut-free where appropriate.

Approximate Nutrition

Per bite, assuming 18 bites and excluding most of the dip:

Calories: ~100–120 kcal
Protein: ~5–6 g
Carbohydrates: ~7–9 g
Fat: ~6–7 g
Fiber: ~1–2 g
Sodium: ~150–220 mg

Nutrition varies depending on the cheese, breadcrumbs, and serving size.

Quick Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water before chopping.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Shape the balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the uncooked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding several extra minutes.

Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the outside with oil before baking or air frying.

Q: Can I make them without Parmesan?
Yes. Replace it with additional cheddar or mozzarella.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.