Skip to main content

Brocco Poppers

A fun and unique way to add more veggies to your day. A tasty snack or appetizer!
Scoops of seasoned and baked broccoli and cheese mixture are displayed on serving platter .
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: 20 pieces
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
2 eggs
½ cup dry bread crumbs
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed, dried and chopped very small (about 2 ½ cups)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  4. Add broccoli to the bowl and stir all ingredients to mix them evenly.
  5. Scoop a rounded Tablespoon of the mixture onto the baking sheet and form into a ball. Leave about 1-inch between each ball.
  6. Bake until poppers are golden brown and cheese is bubbling, about 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

This recipe was inspired by a culinary training session for child nutrition programs provided by Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council.

Notes

  • Try adding other herbs and spices such as Italian seasoning or hot pepper sauce.
  • Try different cheeses such as pepper jack or a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan.
  • No frozen broccoli? Use fresh broccoli that is lightly cooked and chopped.
  • Make your own bread crumbs from stale bread. Try using a box grater, rolling pin or food processor.
  • No bread crumbs? Use cooked rice or quinoa instead.
  • You can freeze the brocco poppers after step 5 and cook them later. Put the baking sheet in the freezer until balls are hard. Move balls to a labeled airtight freezer-safe container and return to the freezer. When ready to bake, remove from container and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Comments

I only had fresh broccoli on hand, instead of frozen, and it still worked great! These Brocco Poppers are perfect as a quick and easy appetizer. Will definitely be making these again and trying out some different seasonings.

This combination of broccoli and cheese was a hit! Brocco Poppers are a fun way to enjoy broccoli for kids and adults who are shy about all things green. It really does work to freeze them for cooking later. We liked them as a side dish and also served them as an afternoon snack for a group when family visited on a holiday.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Peanut Soy Bulgur Pilaf
Large platter of bulgur pilaf.

Peanut Soy Bulgur Pilaf

This hearty and satisfying whole-grain recipe combines savory soy, crunchy nuts and fresh green onion.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Baked Apple Chips
Slices of dried apples sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter.

Baked Apple Chips

Simple yet tasty snack or dessert recipe combining sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice. Only 2 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
2 Cups
Orange Delight
Footed glass filled with a frothy orange juice drink.

Orange Delight

A cool and refreshing drink that is perfect a hot day.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Small bowl of spice mix.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

This make-your-own pumpkin pie spice is perfect for flavoring your favorite fall baked goods.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 Tablespoons
Tuna Salad with Cucumber
Tuna and pea mix served over a bed of lettuce.

Tuna Salad with Cucumber

Bright and crunchy salad that is ready in about 15 minutes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Fruit Smoothie 2 (with milk)
Thick pink smoothie in a glass with a straw.

Fruit Smoothie 2 (with milk)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups