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)

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Tree-like shaped browned cauliflower on a platter.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Slices of cauliflower flavored with garlic and lemon, and roasted until tender and caramelized.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
6 servings
Chicken Soup with Tortilla
Tomato-based chicken soup in a large bowl with a side of tortilla strips.

Chicken Soup with Tortilla

Delicious one-pot meal packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Enjoy as a weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 Cups
Breakfast Burritos
Flour tortillas are filled with beans, eggs, tomato and cheese and baked for a crispy outside.

Breakfast Burritos

A quick and easy recipe for healthy a breakfast or any meal. Easy to customize however you like!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 Burritos
Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
Bowls of rice with chicken and vegetables topped with cilantro.

Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

A filling and satisfying meal of rice, veggies and chicken that is packed with flavor.
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Cook:
35 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Tuna Quesadillas
Plate of tortillas folded over a tuna, vegetable and cheese mix.

Tuna Quesadillas

10-minute lunch idea with sweet peppers and melted cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Quesadillas
Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)
glass of agua fresca

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)

Enjoy a refreshing and delicious blended drink made with your favorite fruit. Thanks to the Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
about 4 cups