If you’re on the lookout for a snack that perfectly balances comfort and a little green goodness, this Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, these sticks offer an irresistible way to enjoy broccoli with a twist. Whether you’re making them for a quick appetizer or a party snack, they deliver flavor and texture that everyone will love, all while sneaking in some veggie power.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, honest, and each plays a critical role in crafting the perfect Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe. From the sharp cheddar that melts into gooey pockets of flavor, to the Italian bread crumbs that add a golden crunch, every component elevates the dish.
- 16 oz Frozen Broccoli: Convenient, nutritious, and the green star of the recipe, providing a tender base once steamed.
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs: Adds a crisp, herby crust with classic Italian flair to every bite.
- 1-½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded: Delivers that rich, melty, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
- 3 eggs: The binder that holds all the ingredients together so the sticks keep their shape during baking.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by steaming the frozen broccoli until it’s tender and easy to mash. This simple step transforms frozen florets into a soft, flavorful base that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Let it cool to make handling easier during mixing.
Step 2: Puree the Broccoli
Next, pop the cooled broccoli into a food processor and pulse until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t have a processor? No worries. A potato masher or hand chopper works just fine to break down the broccoli into a perfect, even texture.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli puree with the Italian bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Stir everything thoroughly so the cheese starts to meld with the broccoli and the eggs bind the crumb mixture. This mix is what will give your sticks their wonderful flavor and cohesive texture.
Step 4: Shape the Sticks
Spoon your mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out into a large rectangle about 8 by 12 inches. Using a rubber spatula, gently press to smooth the surface. Then cut the rectangle into 16 sticks — first into 8 long strips, then each strip in half to get those perfectly snackable sizes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sticks at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each one to ensure even cooking. Bake for another 15 minutes, or longer if you prefer them extra crispy — just add time in 5-minute increments. Once golden and firm, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a vibrant touch and a pop of color that complements the rich cheese and tender broccoli beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these sticks alongside a tangy marinara sauce for dipping, or pair with a crisp garden salad to balance the warm, cheesy flavors. They also go great with a cool ranch dressing for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the broccoli cheese sticks upright in a rustic mason jar for a fun finger-food display at parties. Or stack them creatively on a wooden board alongside dipping sauces for an inviting appetizer platter that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay delicious and can be enjoyed cold or reheated without losing their charm.
Freezing
To freeze, place the baked sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a resealable freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to enjoy your Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe anytime by just reheating.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated sticks in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that satisfying crunchy exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be steamed and substituted one-for-one. Just be sure to steam it until tender for the best texture in your Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap out the Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe tasty and safe for gluten sensitivity.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar shines in this recipe for its robust flavor and great melting abilities. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or a mix for different flavor profiles.
Can I make these vegan?
To veganize this Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe, use plant-based cheese and egg substitutes like flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Adjust seasoning to compensate for flavor differences.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a lovely golden brown exterior and a firm texture when gently pressed. If you prefer crispier sticks, feel free to bake a few extra minutes, keeping an eye to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making a snack that feels comforting, indulgent, and a little bit healthy all at once. I can’t wait for you to try this Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe and discover how easy and rewarding it is to add a cheesy green twist to your snack game. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and cheesy broccoli cheese sticks made with steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar, Italian bread crumbs, and eggs. These delicious snacks are baked to golden perfection and perfect as appetizers or snacks for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen broccoli
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Steam Broccoli: Using a steamer, steam the frozen broccoli until tender, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once steamed, allow the broccoli to cool completely before processing.
- Process Broccoli: Place the cooled broccoli into a food processor fitted with a standard “S” blade. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the broccoli thoroughly using a potato masher or hand chopper to achieve a similar texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, and the processed broccoli. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Shape Sticks: Pour the broccoli mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a rubber spatula, shape it into a large rectangle approximately 8 inches by 12 inches. Carefully cut the rectangle into 8 sticks measuring about 1½ inches wide and 8 inches long. Then cut each stick in half lengthwise to create 16 sticks that are 1½ inches by 4 inches each.
- Bake: Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then flip each stick over and bake for an additional 15 minutes. If you prefer the sticks crispier, continue baking in 5-minute increments, checking until the desired crispness is reached. The total baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli cheese sticks immediately for best taste and crispness. Alternatively, allow them to cool and store in the refrigerator or freezer for future snacking.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli properly ensures the sticks have a good texture and bind well.
- You can substitute Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs if needed.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture.
- These sticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Turning the sticks halfway through baking ensures even crispiness on both sides.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and melting properties.
