Description
Kid-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Sticks are a fun and tasty way to get kids to eat more veggies. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and a creamy, veggie-packed center, these baked treats are perfect as a snack, side dish, or lunchbox addition. They’re healthy, indulgent, and a hit with picky eaters!
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)
Instructions
- 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 tender, about 4-5 minutes. Once steamed, chop the broccoli finely.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and mix until combined.
- Prepare the egg: Beat the egg in a small bowl and add it to the mixture. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add 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 2-3 inch sticks. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Let the sticks cool slightly before serving. Serve with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Enjoy: These cheesy, crispy broccoli sticks are perfect for a healthy snack or meal!
Notes
For extra veggies, add finely chopped carrots or zucchini to the broccoli mixture.
Use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor.
For extra crunch, roll the sticks in crushed crackers or cornflakes before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg