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)

Fabulous Fig Bars
Oat bars with a fig center on a serving platter.

Fabulous Fig Bars

Sweet and buttery treat with crunchy walnuts and a dash of citrus. For breakfast, snack or on-the-go!
Prepare:
45 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Overnight Oatmeal
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oatmeal

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
6-12 hours
Makes:
4 cups
Watermelon Salsa
Bowl of watermelon cubes with cilantro dressing.

Watermelon Salsa

Enjoy this unique salsa as a sweet, tangy and fresh snack or as a topping for tacos or fish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt
Photo of Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Sweet-tart raspberries and creamy yogurt combine to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Overnight Oats for One
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oats for One

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for one person. Change it up with your favorite yogurt and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 serving
Fruit Cooler
Frothy pink fruit drink with a straw.

Fruit Cooler

Use your favorite fruit to make this sweet and refreshing drink to make on a hot summer day with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups