These crispy bites are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your veggies, perfect for snacks or a side dish. Made with fresh broccoli and a crunchy coating, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take half of the broccoli florets and pulse them in a food processor about 20 times until they look like tiny grains of rice. Do the same with the rest of the broccoli.
Pour about half an inch of water into a large shallow pan, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, add the broccoli rice, cover, and let it simmer gently for around 5 minutes until tender. Drain well and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Once cooled, transfer the broccoli rice onto a clean kitchen towel. Gather the edges and squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this step helps the nuggets hold together better.
In a big bowl, mix the cheddar, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, parsley, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Add the broccoli rice and stir everything until it sticks together when you press it into a ball.
Use a small scoop or spoon to portion out about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then press it gently into a little tot shape using hands lightly coated with oil. Arrange the nuggets on your prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tots and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt on top. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 24 minutes, turning them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all over. Enjoy!
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the broccoli to avoid soggy nuggets.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Fry or bake at a high temperature to keep them crispy.
These little bites are a fun way to enjoy veggies. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, they are a great way to sneak in some extra greens.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo. They also pair well with a fresh salad or a side of roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy instead of using a microwave.
