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Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites: A Delightful Snack

If you’re looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, look no further than these cheesy fried broccoli bites. Packed with flavour and texture, these little morsels make an excellent snack, appetiser, or even a side dish for your favourite meals. With their crunchy exterior and gooey cheese centre, they will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You Will Need

To whip up a batch of cheesy fried broccoli bites, gather the following ingredients:

• 250g broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, but fresh is preferable)
• 150g mozzarella cheese, grated (you can also use cheddar for a sharper taste)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 100g breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil work well)

Preparing the Broccoli

Start by preparing your broccoli. If you’re using fresh broccoli, bring a pot of water to the boil and blanch the florets for about 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, simply defrost it and pat it dry.

Once blanched or defrosted, chop the broccoli into small pieces. You want them to be bite-sized, so they mix well with the cheese and breadcrumbs.

Making the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together; if it’s too dry, you can add a splash of water or another egg.

Shaping the Bites

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the bites. Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls or patties, depending on your preference. Aim for a size similar to a golf ball or a small flat disc. The size will affect the cooking time, so keep them uniform for even frying.

Coating the Bites

Next, prepare your breadcrumbs. Place them in a shallow dish, and if you desire, you can mix in a little salt and pepper for added flavour. Roll each broccoli bite in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This will give you that desired crunch when you fry them.

Frying to Perfection

In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 to 3 cm of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of the mixture; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go. Fry the bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried broccoli bites to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy fried broccoli bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh! Serve them with a side of your favourite dipping sauce. A tangy ranch or spicy aioli would complement the flavours beautifully. Alternatively, you can pair them with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy fried broccoli bites are not only a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, but they also bring joy and satisfaction to any gathering or family meal. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these bites are bound to become a favourite in your recipe repertoire. So why wait? Get cooking and savour every cheesy, crunchy bite! Enjoy!

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