Feeding toddlers and kids is very hard. Broccoli Cheese Bites are a healthy, and tasty snack for toddlers and kids. Made with simple ingredients like fresh broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. These bites are easy to make and perfect for little hands. Whether you bake, air fry, or freeze them, these cheesy bites are a great way to sneak in some vegetables while keeping snack time delicious.
If you’re looking for variety, there are plenty of ways to make these bites even more exciting. From baby-friendly versions to cheesy chicken or veggie-packed bites, there’s a recipe for everyone. Try making them in different shapes, adding extra flavors, or making them gluten-free—these variations are sure to make snack time fun and healthy! Keep reading to find the perfect broccoli cheese bite recipe for your little one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Cheese Bites recipe is perfect for toddlers and kids because it’s healthy, tasty, and easy to make. Your little ones will love the cheesy goodness, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Packed with veggies: Broccoli is full of vitamins and fiber, which is great for your toddler’s health.
- Cheesy and delicious: The melted cheese makes these bites so tasty, even picky eaters will enjoy them.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg, you’ll have a meal or snack ready in no time.
- Perfect for little hands: The bites are small and easy for your toddler to hold and eat on their own.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for busy days when you need a quick snack.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
To make these yummy Broccoli Cheese Bites, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of broccoli (steamed and chopped into small pieces)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great!)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (to help hold everything together)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional for a little flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (just a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (to drizzle or spray on the baking tray)
Substitution
If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can easily substitute with these:
- If you don’t have an egg, use 2 tablespoons of applesauce to help bind the mixture together.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, substitute with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked quinoa.
- If you don’t have cheese, simply skip it or use a soft cheese like cream cheese or cottage cheese instead.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Bites
Making these bites is easy. Here’s how:
- Steam or boil the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes. Once soft, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Let it cool a little.
- In a big bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it sticks together in a dough-like mixture.
- Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into little balls (about the size of a small marble). You can also shape them into small patties if that’s easier.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the broccoli cheese bites on it. Drizzle or spray the bites with olive oil to make them crispy.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the broccoli cheese bites for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside.
6. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving to your toddler. They’re perfect as a snack or part of a meal.
How to Store
Once you’ve made these tasty Broccoli Cheese Bites, you might have leftovers. Here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and yummy:
- In the fridge: Store the broccoli cheese bites in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the bites for later. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until they’re crispy again. You can also microwave them for a quicker snack!
Best Tips for Success
Here are some simple tips to help you make the best Broccoli Cheese Bites for your little ones:
- Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes the bites taste better and gives them a nice crunch.
- Don’t cook the broccoli too long: Steam or boil the broccoli just until it’s soft. If you cook it too much, it can get too mushy.
- Make even-sized bites: Try to make all the bites the same size so they cook evenly and are easier to eat.
- Add extra cheese: If your little one loves cheese, feel free to add a little more for extra flavor!
- Let them cool down: After baking, let the bites cool for a few minutes so they’re not too hot to eat.
If you suffer to feed you toddler veggies. You can try out Hidden Veggies Recipes. Here we customized veggies so that kids approved it. Also try this Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels.
Broccoli Cheese Bites Variations
Here are some tasty variations of broccoli cheese bites that you can try for your little ones. Each version has its own unique twist, so you can find the perfect one for your toddler’s taste.
Broccoli Cheese Bites for Baby
These baby-friendly broccoli cheese bites are soft, easy to eat, and packed with healthy broccoli and cheese. Perfect for little hands and mouths!
How to make it:
Steam the broccoli until it’s soft, then mix it with cheese, breadcrumbs, and a little egg. Shape them into small, soft bites and bake until golden and crispy on the outside. Make sure the bites are small and soft enough for your baby to enjoy safely.
Broccoli Bites for Baby
These bites are made especially for babies, with extra care to ensure they are gentle on tiny teeth. They are healthy and a fun snack for your baby to enjoy.
How to make it:
Steam the broccoli and mash it with cheese and a little bit of bread crumbs. Roll the mixture into tiny bite-sized balls and bake until they’re firm and lightly golden. These bites are easy for your baby to hold and eat!
Broccoli Cheese Balls
These broccoli cheese balls are a fun and easy-to-eat version of the classic broccoli cheese bites. They’re perfect for snack time or as part of a meal.
How to make it:
Mix chopped broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg together. Shape the mixture into small balls and bake them until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These cheesy balls are great for little fingers to grab.
Frozen Broccoli Cheese Bites
If you want to make a batch for later, frozen broccoli cheese bites are the way to go. You can make them in advance and keep them in the freezer for a quick snack or meal.
How to make it:
Prepare the broccoli cheese bites as usual and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, just bake them straight from the freezer for a quick and easy snack.
Broccoli Cheese Bites in Air Fryer
For a faster and crispier version, you can make broccoli cheese bites in the air fryer. They come out golden and delicious with less oil!
How to make it:
Shape your broccoli mixture into bites and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. This method makes them crunchy without deep-frying.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites
Baking your broccoli cheese bites is a great way to keep them healthy while still getting that crispy texture. These bites are perfect for little hands to grab and enjoy.
How to make it:
Form the broccoli mixture into small bites and place them on a baking tray. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Let them cool a little before serving to your toddler.
Broccoli Cheese Egg Bites for Baby
These egg bites are soft and easy to chew for babies, making them the perfect snack. The added egg helps to hold everything together.
How to make it:
Mix steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, and eggs together. Pour the mixture into a muffin tin or mini cupcake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. These egg bites are soft and full of flavor, perfect for babies to munch on.
Breaded Broccoli Cheese Bites
If you want a crunchy outer layer on your bites, breaded broccoli cheese bites are a great option. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
How to make it:
Dip your broccoli cheese bites into breadcrumbs before baking. This gives them a crunchy exterior. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
Broccoli Cheese Bites from Costco
If you’re looking for convenience, broccoli cheese bites from Costco are ready to eat and very kid-friendly. They’re great for busy days or when you need a quick meal.
How to make it:
These pre-made broccoli cheese bites are easy to prepare. Simply heat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are hot and crispy. They’re a great quick snack or meal.
Broccoli Cheese Chicken Bites
Adding chicken to your broccoli cheese bites gives them extra protein. These are perfect for toddlers who need more energy throughout the day.
How to make it:
Chop cooked chicken and mix it with broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Shape the mixture into small bites and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. The chicken makes these bites extra filling and tasty.
Cheesy Broccoli Carrot Bites
These cheesy broccoli carrot bites are a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your toddler’s snack. The carrots add a touch of sweetness to balance the broccoli.
How to make it:
Grate some carrots and mix them with steamed broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Shape into small bites and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. These bites are colorful and delicious.
Broccoli Cheese Bites Dipping Sauce
Sometimes, a little dipping sauce makes the meal even more fun! Try serving your broccoli cheese bites with a yummy sauce for dipping.
How to make it:
Serve your bites with ketchup, ranch dressing, or a simple homemade yogurt dip. The creamy sauce makes these bites even tastier and more enjoyable for your toddler.
No Egg Broccoli Cheese Bites
If your little one has an egg allergy or if you’re looking for an egg-free option, these no-egg broccoli cheese bites are perfect.
How to make it:
Instead of using an egg, mix the broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs with a little applesauce or mashed potatoes to help hold the mixture together. Shape into bites and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Cottage Cheese Broccoli Egg Bites
These cottage cheese broccoli egg bites are soft and creamy, making them a perfect meal for babies or toddlers.
How to make it:
Mix steamed broccoli, cottage cheese, and egg together. Pour the mixture into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. The cottage cheese makes these bites extra creamy.
Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Bites
If your toddler needs a gluten-free option, these broccoli cheese bites are a great choice. They’re easy to make without any wheat products.
How to make it:
Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Mix with broccoli, cheese, and egg, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. They’re just as crispy and delicious!
Green Giant Broccoli Cheese Bites
Green Giant makes a great pre-made version of broccoli cheese bites. These are convenient and easy to prepare for a busy day.
How to make it:
Simply follow the instructions on the package to bake them in the oven or air fryer. Green Giant broccoli cheese bites are a quick and tasty option when you’re in a hurry.
Broccoli Cheese Bites in Oven
Baking your broccoli cheese bites in the oven gives them a crispy exterior and soft inside. It’s a healthy way to make them!
How to make it:
Shape the broccoli mixture into small bites and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
Keto Broccoli Cheese Bites
These keto-friendly broccoli cheese bites are low in carbs but full of flavor. They’re great for toddlers on a low-carb diet.
How to make it:
Instead of breadcrumbs, use ground almonds or coconut flour to make them keto-friendly. Mix with broccoli, cheese, and egg, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Broccoli Cheese Bites Baby-Led Weaning
These bites are perfect for babies starting baby-led weaning. They’re soft, healthy, and easy to grab with tiny hands.
How to make it:
Mash the broccoli and mix it with cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Shape into long sticks or small pieces that are easy for your baby to hold and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Broccoli Cheese Muffin Tin Bites
Using a muffin tin to make these bites gives them a fun, uniform shape. They’re perfect for little hands to pick up.
How to make it:
Grease a muffin tin and fill it with the broccoli cheese mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are golden and firm.
Broccoli Cheese Potato Bites
Adding potatoes to your broccoli cheese bites makes them even more filling. These are a great snack or side dish.
How to make it:
Mash some boiled potatoes and mix them with steamed broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Shape into small bites and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bites
These quinoa bites are packed with protein and make the broccoli cheese bites even more nutritious.
How to make it:
Cook some quinoa and mix it with chopped broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Shape into small bites and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. The quinoa adds extra nutrition to each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and solutions that parents often have when making Broccoli Cheese Bites for their little ones. These tips will help you get the perfect, toddler-friendly snack every time!
My broccoli cheese bites are falling apart. What can I do?
If your broccoli cheese bites are falling apart, try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or cheese to the mixture. This helps bind everything together better. Make sure the broccoli is chopped finely and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the bites too wet.
How can I make the bites softer for my baby or toddler?
For softer bites, steam the broccoli until it’s really tender. You can also mash the broccoli slightly before mixing it with cheese and breadcrumbs. Using a muffin tin to bake them helps make them softer and easier to grab for little hands.
The bites are too dry. How can I fix them?
If the bites are dry, try adding a little more cheese or a splash of milk to the mixture. You can also try not baking them for as long or at too high of a temperature. This will help them stay moist and tender.
Can I make these bites without eggs?
Yes! If you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with applesauce or mashed potatoes. Both will help hold the mixture together and keep the bites soft and easy to eat for toddlers.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make these broccoli cheese bites gluten-free, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Everything else in the recipe should be naturally gluten-free.
My child doesn’t like broccoli. How can I make these more appealing?
If your toddler doesn’t love broccoli, you can mix in some other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. The cheese and breadcrumbs will help mask the texture and make the bites more appetizing.
Can I freeze these broccoli cheese bites for later?
Yes, you can freeze the broccoli cheese bites! Simply bake and let them cool, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve them.
My broccoli cheese bites are too crispy on the outside but not cooked through. What should I do?
This might happen if the bites are too large or baked at a high temperature. Try making smaller bites and bake them at a lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C). This ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside stays soft and fully cooked.
How can I make these broccoli cheese bites more flavorful?
For added flavor, try mixing in some mild spices like garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, can also give them a nice flavor boost without overwhelming little taste buds.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using. This helps remove excess moisture that could make the bites too soggy.
Broccoli Cheese Bites
Soft broccoli cheese bites toddlers love! Easy to make, healthy, and perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or baby-led weaning
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servings15
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minutesIngredients
1 cup broccoli (steamed and chopped into small pieces)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great!)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg (to help hold everything together)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for a little flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (to drizzle or spray on the baking tray)
Directions
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes. Once soft, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Let it cool a little.
- Mix the ingredients: In a big bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it sticks together in a dough-like mixture.
- Shape the bites: Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into little balls (about the size of a small marble). You can also shape them into small patties if that’s easier.
- Prepare the baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the broccoli cheese bites on it. Drizzle or spray the bites with olive oil to make them crispy.
- steps by steps instruction for Broccoli Cheese Bites
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the broccoli cheese bites for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside.
- Let them cool: Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving to your toddler. They’re perfect as a snack or part of a meal!
