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)

Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberries are the star in this low-sugar dessert made with whole-grain oats and warm cinnamon spice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Fresh Veggie Pizza
Platter of eight English muffins layered with a creamy sauce and vegetable topping.

Fresh Veggie Pizza

A fun version of pizza on English muffins, with cream cheese, fresh veggies and tangy parmesan. A great meal to make with the whole family!
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth
Pot full of water with vegetables and herbs.

Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth

Use leftover veggie scraps to make a delicious broth to use in soups or cooking beans and grains!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
6 to 12 cups
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew
bowl of Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Enjoy a bowl of this slow cooker stew that is full of vegetables and umami flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
3 to 8 hours
Makes:
10 cups
Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Plate of stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables.

Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Make your own stir fry ramen noodles with chicken, vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish
Plate of breaded, flakey white fish with slices of lemon.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Add more fish to your meals with this easy and healthy battered white fish with parmesan and herbs.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings