Vegan Broccoli Cheese Bites
These crispy, cheesy vegan bites are packed with nutrients and make a delicious, healthy snack or appetizer. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
1 cup vegan shredded cheese (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup almond flour (or regular flour if gluten isn’t a concern)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg substitute)
1 teaspoon turmeric (for color and added health benefits)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray, for greasing
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with olive oil.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, then allow them to cool slightly. Place the cooled broccoli into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not pureed.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Make the Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, add it to the broccoli mixture and stir until everything is well combined and the mixture holds together.
Shape the Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1-2 tablespoons each). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed warm with a side of your favorite vegan dipping sauce, such as marinara or vegan ranch.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx. 3 bites):
Calories: 120
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 1g
Tips:
Freezing: These bites freeze well! Freeze them after baking, then reheat in the oven or air fryer when needed.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or substitute the vegan cheese with other plant-based cheeses you enjoy.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
