Description
These Broccoli Bites are a delicious, cheesy snack or appetizer made with tender-crisp broccoli, creamy cheeses, and rice. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a flavorful and nutritious bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a healthy snack option.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Dairy
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 egg
- 2 ounces cream cheese (about ¼ cup, softened)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Grains
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the broccoli bites.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly and chop into small pieces, then allow to cool completely.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg, softened cream cheese, sour cream, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the chopped broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a mini muffin tin very well or line it with silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Wells: Gently divide the broccoli and rice mixture evenly among the muffin wells, pressing slightly to fill each one.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes, or until they are set and have browned lightly on top.
- Cool and Remove: Let the broccoli bites cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before removing. To loosen the bites, carefully run a knife around the edges of each muffin cup before lifting them out.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the broccoli is dry and well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- You can use either white or brown cooked rice based on your preference.
- Silicone liners help make removal easier and reduce the need for excessive greasing.
- These bites can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
