These crispy broccoli cheddar poppers are a tasty treat! They are packed with healthy broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crunchy coating.
Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they might even convince the kids to eat their veggies—tricky, but worth a try! I love dipping them in my favorite sauce for an extra kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the best texture and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cook quickly but make sure to thaw and drain them well.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, you can use mild cheddar or mozzarella instead. Mixing cheeses can also add more depth!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides creaminess. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or sour cream for a tangy flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the poppers a crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also use crushed crackers for a different twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch?
Achieving a crispy coating on your broccoli poppers involves a few key steps. First, proper breading is essential. Make sure each ball is well-coated in flour, dipped in egg, and liberally covered in panko. This creates that crunchy outer layer.
- Use cold ingredients, especially the cream cheese, as they help create a better texture when frying.
- Allow the oil to reach the right temperature before frying—350°F (175°C)—to avoid soggy poppers.
- Don’t crowd the pan; fry them in batches. This allows hot oil to circulate around each popper for even cooking.
Following these tips will ensure that your broccoli cheddar poppers turn out perfectly crispy and delicious! Enjoy!
How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Breading and Frying:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes from prep to frying. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and forming the poppers, and about 20 minutes for frying and serving. It’s a quick and rewarding dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Broccoli:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water. This helps to stop the cooking process and keeps the broccoli vibrant green. Once cooled, drain again and use paper towels to pat them dry.
2. Prepare the Broccoli Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, lightly mash the blanched broccoli with a fork, leaving a little texture. Then, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, half of the salt, and the optional chopped parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the Poppers:
Using your hands, take small amounts of the broccoli-cheese mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or mounds. Set them aside on a plate.
4. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process: one for flour, one for the beaten egg, and one for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining salt.
5. Bread the Poppers:
Coat each broccoli ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finish by rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each popper is fully covered for maximum crunch!
6. Fry the Poppers:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C). Once hot, carefully fry the poppers in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, flavorful broccoli cheddar poppers—perfect for any occasion!
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Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent sogginess in the poppers.
How Can I Make These Poppers Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free broccoli cheddar poppers, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness, or gently microwave them if you prefer.