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Baked Cheddar Broccoli Bites 🥦🧀
Savory baked broccoli bites made with cheddar, eggs and breadcrumbs. An easy veggie finger food for babies and toddlers.
For babies, use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko if you want a softer result, and skip additional salt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, finely chopped, mashed or riced 500ml broccoli, finely chopped, mashed or riced
- ½ onion, grated ½ onion, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 250ml panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated strong cheddar cheese 250ml grated strong cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml olive oil
- Salt Salt
- Pepper Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roughly chop the broccoli and steam for 3–4 minutes, until tender.
- Grate the onion.
- Blitz the steamed broccoli in a food processor, or place it in a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork.
- Add the grated onion, breadcrumbs, cheddar, eggs, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- Measure tablespoon-sized portions of the broccoli mixture, roll into balls and place on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp on the outside.
Baby Serving Guide
9 months+: For a baby-friendly version, skip the added salt and consider using regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for a softer texture.
Cook until the bites hold together but avoid letting the outside become very hard or excessively crisp.
Allow the bites to cool to a safe temperature and check that they break apart easily before serving.
Baby-Friendly Tips
- Salt: The original formula includes salt, but the source recommends leaving out additional salt for young children.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used instead of panko for a softer broccoli bite.
- Broccoli: Steam until tender and mince, rice or mash it finely.
- Onion: Grate finely so it cooks into the bite.
- Egg: Egg is a common allergen.
- Dairy: Cheddar contains milk, a common allergen.
- Wheat: Standard breadcrumbs contain wheat. Gluten-free breadcrumbs may be used if needed.
- Always serve baby seated upright and under close adult supervision.
Recipe Tips
- Frozen broccoli rice can be used instead of fresh broccoli.
- Cauliflower can replace the broccoli.
- Regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace panko.
- Parmesan can be added for extra cheesy flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months.
- Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
