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)

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables
Platter of multicolored baked bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey, vegetables and mushrooms.

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables

Colorful bell peppers filled with ground turkey, fresh vegetables and delicious Italian flavors.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
90 minutes
Makes:
6 Pepper Halves
Roasted Parsnips
Tazón de palitos de chirivía dorada.

Roasted Parsnips

Try roasted parsnips for a slightly sweet and nutty flavored side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Stovetop Creamy Grits
Bowls of fine textured corn grits.

Stovetop Creamy Grits

Creamy corn grits with a rich flavor. Enjoy many ways.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Green Pea Soup
Bowl of creamy Green Pea soup.

Green Pea Soup

Warm and comforting pea soup - perfect for the cold weather.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Hoppin' Pear Salad
Peeled pear on a lettuce bed with almonds, cottage cheese and raisins appearing like a bunny.

Hoppin' Pear Salad

A fun recipe kids will love to make for the holidays, or any day of the week!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Split Pea Salad
Bowl with a vibrant mix of split peas, tomato and parsley.

Split Pea Salad

Tender split peas and fresh tomatoes and herbs make a light and tasty salad perfect for potlucks, BBQs and picnics!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups