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.
