In a world where snacking often leads down the path of regret, these Baked Broccoli Cheddar Bites emerge as a beacon of health and taste. Imagine the wholesome crunch giving way to a creamy, cheesy center, all without the greasy aftermath of traditional fried snacks. Whether you’re a health enthusiast, a busy parent looking for nutritious nibbles, or simply a foodie on a quest for the ultimate savory delight, these bites are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients Needed:

1 ½ cups of frozen broccoli, thawed and drained (approximately 6 ounces)

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

6 ounces of grated cheddar cheese

3 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

¾ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of pepper

Keto Breading:

2 tablespoons of coconut flour

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon of cream

1 ½ cups of pork rind crumbs

Frying Oil:

3 to 4 cups of oil for frying

How To Make:

Begin by finely chopping the thawed broccoli and placing it in a spacious bowl. To this, add the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mash the ingredients together using a fork until a uniform mixture forms.

With your hands, roll the mixture into compact balls, ensuring each one is no larger than 1 inch in diameter. Arrange these formed balls on a baking sheet or tray lined with waxed paper, making space between them to prevent sticking.

Place the tray of broccoli cheese balls in the freezer and allow them to chill for 3 to 4 hours, or until they are firm to the touch.

Coating and Frying:

Prepare the breading stations by spreading the coconut flour in a shallow dish, whisking together the eggs and cream in a separate bowl, and placing the pork rind crumbs in yet another bowl.

Once the broccoli cheese balls are adequately frozen, heat the frying oil in a deep, heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan until it reaches a temperature of 350°F. It’s crucial to monitor and maintain the oil temperature between 330°F and 350°F for optimal frying results.

Roll each frozen ball in the coconut flour, ensuring a light coating covers the surface. Dip the floured balls into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, before dredging them in the pork rind crumbs.

Carefully lower 4 to 6 coated balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the balls for approximately 3 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown hue.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried balls onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining balls, maintaining the oil temperature within the desired range.

Serving and Enjoyment:

Allow the freshly fried broccoli cheese balls to cool to room temperature before serving, as the molten cheese inside can cause burns if consumed hot.

These bites are best enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.