Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly snackable, these Yummy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Nuggets are a delicious way to sneak some veggies into your day! Packed with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of Parmesan for extra savoriness, these nuggets are seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion powder, and paprika for a flavorful kick. Baked to golden perfection, they boast a crunchy breadcrumb coating without the need for frying, making them a healthier yet satisfying option. Perfect as a kid-friendly appetizer, an after-school snack, or a party favorite, these nuggets pair beautifully with dips like ranch, chipotle mayo, or marinara. Ready in under 45 minutes, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual entertaining.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil for 3-4 minutes, just until tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Finely chop the cooked broccoli or pulse it in a food processor until it is finely diced but not mushy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
Scoop out about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small nugget-like shapes using your hands. Place the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with additional non-stick cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Remove from the oven and allow the nuggets to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or marinara.
Calories |
1067 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.0 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 327 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 3474 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.4 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 64.5 g | 129% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1204 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 114 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.