Name: Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487885H10M27S
Total time: PT-487885H10M27S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium-sized head); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional); 1 large egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil spray (for baking); Marinara sauce (for dipping); Ranch dressing (for dipping)

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I love making these Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks because they’re an easy way to sneak in some veggies while keeping things delicious and fun for the kids. The crispy, cheesy exterior gives way to a creamy, veggie-packed center, making these a perfect snack or side dish. Plus, they’re baked (not fried), so they’re a healthier alternative to traditional cheese sticks!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about these broccoli cheese sticks is how easy they are to prepare and how well they hide the broccoli inside. Kids (and even picky eaters) will love the cheesy flavor, and you’ll love how they’re getting a healthy serving of vegetables in a fun form. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they’re perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch dressing!

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium-sized head)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray (for baking)

For serving (optional):

Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Ranch dressing (for dipping)

Directions

Prepare the broccoli:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender, about 4-5 minutes. You can steam them in a pot with a lid, or place them in the microwave with a little water for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Once steamed, allow the broccoli to cool slightly, then chop it finely so it’s in small pieces, perfect for mixing into the cheese.
Make the cheese mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the finely chopped broccoli and stir to combine everything evenly.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and add it to the mixture, stirring until the mixture sticks together and forms a dough-like consistency. If it feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a little water or milk.
Shape the cheese sticks:
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into sticks (about 2-3 inches long). You can roll them in your hands or use a spoon to scoop out small amounts and form them into logs.
- Place the shaped sticks onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
- Lightly spray the tops of the broccoli cheese sticks with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the sticks from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy:
- These Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks are perfect for after-school snacks, packed lunches, or as a side dish to your favorite meal. The cheesy, crispy texture makes them a hit with kids and adults alike!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-15 broccoli cheese sticks. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and bake time is 12-15 minutes.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding a little finely chopped carrot or zucchini to the broccoli for extra veggies.
Mixing in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor.
Rolling the sticks in crushed crackers or cornflakes for extra crunch.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover broccoli cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping it up.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sticks in advance, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked sticks for up to 1 month. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese (like vegan mozzarella) and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version of these cheese sticks.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for a completely gluten-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

These Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks are a great way to get kids to eat more veggies in a fun and tasty way. With their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re a healthy yet indulgent treat that everyone will love!