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)

Any Berry Sauce
A serving bowl of Any Berry Sauce is shown with a plate of 3 pancakes that have sauce spread on top and a few fresh berries on the side.

Any Berry Sauce

This easy make-ahead berry sauce is perfect for pancakes, oatmeal or yogurt any time of year.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Chicken Mole
Chicken with a thick, savory sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with rice and broccoli on a plate.

Chicken Mole

A flavorful chicken recipe with a rich and smoky sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Low-Fat Tartar Sauce
Small bowl of tartar sauce with a vegetable patty.

Low-Fat Tartar Sauce

A healthy homemade tartar sauce with fresh herbs and tangy mustard, perfect to serve with seafood.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Soulful Seasoning
Bowl of seasoning mix.

Soulful Seasoning

Mix your own seasoning for veggies, meats, rice, tofu and soups.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Bowl of egg noodles with peas and tuna mixed in.

Stovetop Tuna Casserole

Tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce, bright peas and tasty tuna.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Melon Cooler
Glass filled with a bright orange juice drink garnished with mint.

Melon Cooler

Refreshing and flavorful fruit drink with only 3 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups