Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites Recipe

Crispy on the outside, gooey and savory on the inside—these Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites are everything you crave in a comfort snack, but made totally guilt-free! Packed with cheesy flavor, a hint of spice, and a satisfying crunch, they’re my go-to for parties, meal prep, or whenever I need something a little indulgent that still fits my low-carb lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites comes down to a handful of easy, everyday ingredients—with every single one playing a key role in flavor, texture, or that perfect golden finish. Here’s what gives these bites their signature taste and crunch!

• Frozen Broccoli (thawed and drained): The earthy backbone for these bites; chop it fine for best texture and even green color throughout.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Makes the filling creamy, rich, and helps hold everything together—don’t skip it!
• Cheddar Cheese (grated): Bring on the sharp, melty cheese pull! Cheddar is a classic here, but feel free to use a blend if you’re feeling creative.
• Garlic (minced or pressed): Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aromatic note that wakes up all the cheesy flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat—if you like things spicy, toss in a little extra.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings, but they make all the difference in pulling the flavors together.
• Coconut Flour: The low-carb “flour” base for breading, creating a light, gluten-free coating.
• Eggs & Cream: This duo makes the sticky dip that helps your pork rind crumbs actually cling and crisp!
• Pork Rind Crumbs: The secret weapon for crunchy, keto-friendly breading—totally grain-free, and satisfyingly savory.
• Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point (like avocado or peanut oil) is perfect for frying these up golden and crisp.

Variations

The beauty of Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites is how easy they are to personalize! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand, have specific dietary needs, or want to mix up the flavor mood, here are ideas to inspire your riff on this crispy classic.

• Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for extra stretch, or even a smoked gouda for something unexpected.
• Add Bacon: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch and extra richness—just a tablespoon or two goes a long way.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based cheddar-style shreds along with a touch of nutritional yeast for that classic “cheesy” flavor.
• Spice It Up: Mix in chopped fresh jalapeño or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat if mild isn’t your thing!

How to Make Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Step 1: Mix Up the Filling

Start by chopping your thawed, drained broccoli into small pieces—think confetti size. This helps every bite cook evenly and ensures you get broccoli in every mouthful. In a large bowl, add your chopped broccoli, cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced garlic, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy fork or spatula to mash everything together until it’s thick, creamy, and completely combined. It should be scoopable but not runny.

Step 2: Roll and Freeze

With slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, scoop and roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch across. Place each ball onto a wax paper-lined tray. You should end up with around 30 mini bites—perfect for sharing or stocking your freezer. Pop the whole tray in the freezer and chill for at least 3–4 hours; this important step helps them keep their shape when frying and ensures a perfectly melty center.

Step 3: Get Ready to Fry

Once your broccoli cheddar bites are frozen solid, set up your breading station: one dish with coconut flour, another with whisked eggs and cream, and a third with pork rind crumbs. In a sturdy, deep pan, heat about 3–4 cups of oil to 350°F. It’s best to use a thermometer here—keeping the oil between 330°F and 350°F is essential for crispy outsides and gooey insides!

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Bites

Working in batches, lightly coat each frozen ball in coconut flour, dip fully in the egg mixture, and then dredge all around in the pork rind crumbs. Gently lower 4–6 balls at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel–lined plate before repeating with the rest.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

This part’s hard, but worth it—let the bites cool to room temperature before serving. The cheese inside is piping hot straight from the oil, and waiting a bit means perfectly melty, but not mouth-scorching, cheesy centers. Your patience will be rewarded with the ultimate Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites experience!

How to Serve Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish (and a little extra flavor!), sprinkle your bites with minced chives, chopped parsley, or even a dusting of extra cheddar right after they come out of the oil. A light squeeze of fresh lemon is surprisingly delicious, too!

Side Dishes

Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites make an amazing appetizer with ranch or spicy aioli for dipping. But I also love serving them with a crisp garden salad, roasted asparagus, or a simple tomato cucumber salad for a quick low-carb lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pile them high on a platter with little skewers and tiny dipping cups. Or, thread 3–4 onto wooden skewers for a playful appetizer stick. Stack them in paper cones for a snack bar, or serve mini versions as a fun “popper” at game day get-togethers. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) should be cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, making them an awesome snack or quick lunch to grab on busy days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze them! Whether you freeze before breading or after frying, just lay the bites in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fried bites reheat best from frozen so they stay crispy.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites is in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy again—usually just 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they’ll be softer. If reheating from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s keto, cheesy, and so much fun to eat, you simply have to try these Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews wherever you serve them. Happy snacking!

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