Want to make some scrumptious snacks out of leafy greens? What can get better than some broccoli?
It is chewy, full of fiber, and loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that support gastrointestinal health and keep your heart healthy. Broccoli can be used to make the main dish, a side dish, an appetizer, or even a healthy snack.
However, these green fluff balls shouldn’t be over-cooked, as they might lose their refreshing taste.
If you don’t like snacking on raw broccoli, here are some interesting healthy broccoli snack recipes for you to try today.
Baked Broccoli Tots
These quick and easy baked broccoli tots are loaded with the goodness of healthy nutrients and are super fun to make.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups (about 12 ounces) of raw or frozen broccoli
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoonsmixed herbs (cilantro, parsley, rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Set aside a baking tray greased with a thin oil coating or lined with parchment paper.
- Boil the broccoli for 1 minute before removing and chilling with cold tap water to cool the cooking temperature. Drain thoroughly.
- Next, chop the broccoli (finely) and combine it with the onions, egg, cheddar, spices, and mixture of breadcrumbs.
- Scoop roughly 1.5 teaspoons of the mixture with a spoon or your hands and carefully shape it into a firm ball, then reshape it into a tater-tot form.
- It’s good to wash your hands after some tots to keep them from adhering to your hands. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-24 minutes, or until light brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with sriracha, ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Roasted Cheesy Broccoli with Garlic
Broccoli with cheese is the best combo ever! And who doesn’t love a hint of garlic? It’s ideal for a quick veggie side dish or a nutritious snack.
Fun Fact: The yeast will magically enhance the cheesiness. Don’t believe me? Well, try it and find out.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of broccoli flowers
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon. nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges are optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss all ingredients on a big sheet pan till the broccoli flowers are uniformly covered. Roast broccoli for 20-25 minutes, or until soft and caramelized.
- Best served right away.
- If needed, squeeze with lemon wedges, and voila!
Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites with Bacon and Herbs
Baked Broccoli Bites are a delightfully nutritious snack suitable for both toddlers and older children. They are sure to satisfy the whole family, whether you prepare them for picnics, for your kid’s lunch box, or perhaps for a nutritious snack in between meals.
What You’ll Need
- 1 big broccoli head
- 1 big broccoli head
- 1 pound breadcrumbs
- 3⁄4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoon cilantro or parsley
- 1 tsp. dried basiland rosemary
- 1 egg
- 1 spring onion,
- salt and black pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then place it on a paper towel to drain.
- Cut the broccoli head into pieces, toss them in a pan of boiling water and cover the pan to let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until soft.
- Delicately cut the broccoli; you should have around two cups of chopped broccoli. Allow to cool.
- Combine the broccoli, cheese, chopped bacon and spring onion, cilantro, mixed herbs (basil and rosemary), breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a baking pan with vegetable oil, then make little balls out of the broccoli mixture; We got 14 balls, and maybe you’ll get more or less depending on size.
- Bake for at least 30 minutes, or until evenly golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot or cold with your favorite dipping sauce.
Broccoli Salad with a Twist
This isn’t your average salad. Broccoli will be chopped into bite-sized florets and combined with bacon pieces, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
The salad will then be mixed in a freshly prepared creamy dressing. It’s both crunchy and creamy at the same time!
This broccoli salad may be prepared beforehand and stored in the refrigerator. Chill for an hour before serving to enjoy the richness and crunch in one bowl.
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- pepper and salt
Instructions
- Combine the cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Place aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix broccoli with onion, bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Now pour the prepared dressing and mix thoroughly.
- Before serving, chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Notes on the Recipe
- Dry the broccoli well so that moisture does not dilute the dressing.
- If preferred, save some crispy bacon for topping and sprinkle right before serving.
- You can also use store-bought sauce instead of preparing your own.
Our Final Thought
What is there not to like about broccoli? It’s tasty, healthful, and quite versatile. There are also several methods to serve it.
The mild and crunchy taste of broccoli can be enjoyed with cheese, bacon, veggies, mayonnaise, and even cranberries. Bake it or boil it. The lush green florets add an aesthetic value to your snack and are loaded with healthy nutrients that you just can’t ignore!
These quick and healthy broccoli snack recipes can be served as an appetizer or prepared beforehand for snacking between meals.
And the best part, you can modify these recipes as per your liking and stun your guests with these delectable snacks.
