Broccoli Cheese Bites (Keto | Low Carb)

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy edges and melted cheese — and these Broccoli Cheese Bites deliver exactly that kind of magic. Perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle, these golden little morsels transform humble broccoli into something absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, party appetizer, or a sneaky way to get more vegetables into your day, this recipe has you covered.

What makes these bites so special? They’re naturally gluten-free, packed with flavor, and surprisingly filling. Plus, they’re one of those rare recipes that both kids and adults genuinely love — no hidden vegetables here, just pure cheesy goodness that happens to be incredibly nutritious.

Why Are These Perfect for Busy Weeknights?

Let’s be honest — weeknight dinner prep can feel overwhelming. Between work, family responsibilities, and everything else on your plate, you need recipes that work *with* your schedule, not against it. These Broccoli Cheese Bites are exactly that kind of recipe.

First off, they come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. The prep work is minimal — just steam some broccoli, mix everything together, and pop them in the oven. While they’re baking, you can tackle other tasks or simply relax for a few minutes.

But here’s the real game-changer: they freeze beautifully. Make a double batch on Sunday, freeze half, and you’ll have ready-to-reheat snacks or side dishes for the entire week. No more staring into the fridge at 6 PM wondering what to make.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen work equally well)
• 1¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
• 1/4 cup almond flour (the secret to that perfect crispy texture)
• 1 large egg (acts as the binding agent)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Flaked salt or additional sea salt (optional, but highly recommended)

Notice there’s no breadcrumbs, no flour, no sneaky carb-heavy ingredients. The almond flour provides just enough structure to hold everything together while keeping the carb count beautifully low.

How to make Broccoli Cheese Bites (Keto | Low Carb)?

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) — this higher temperature is key for achieving those golden, crispy edges we’re after. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it covers the entire surface. Trust me on this one; the cheese can get a bit sticky, and parchment paper makes cleanup effortless.

Step 2: Steam and Process the Broccoli

Steam your broccoli florets until they’re tender but not mushy — about 4-5 minutes should do it. You want them soft enough to process easily but still holding their shape. Let them cool for a few minutes; hot broccoli will make your egg start cooking prematurely.

Here’s where the magic happens: pulse the cooled broccoli in a food processor until it resembles coarse rice. Don’t overdo it — you want texture, not baby food. If you don’t have a food processor, a sharp knife and some patience work too, though the texture won’t be quite as even.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your processed broccoli with the grated cheddar cheese. The cheese should be at room temperature for easier mixing — cold cheese doesn’t distribute as evenly.

Add the almond flour, egg, and all your seasonings. Now comes the fun part: mix everything together with your hands. Yes, it’s a bit messy, but you’ll get a much better feel for the texture this way. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be wet or sticky.

Step 4: Shape and Season

Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, portion out the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Roll each portion lightly between your palms to create uniform rounds — they don’t need to be perfect, just roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Leave about 2 inches between each bite; they’ll spread slightly during baking, like little savory cookies. If you’re using flaked salt, sprinkle it on now for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a slightly firm texture when you gently press the top of a bite.

The smell alone will drive you crazy — that combination of roasted broccoli and melted cheese is absolutely intoxicating. Let them cool for just 2-3 minutes before serving; the cheese will be molten hot straight from the oven.

What Makes These Different from Regular Broccoli Bites?

You might be wondering what sets these apart from other broccoli bite recipes floating around the internet. It’s all in the details, really.

Most traditional recipes rely on breadcrumbs for binding and texture, which immediately adds carbs and gluten. By using almond flour instead, we maintain that satisfying crunch while keeping everything keto-friendly. The almond flour also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.

The cheese-to-broccoli ratio here is also carefully calibrated. Too much cheese and they become greasy; too little and they fall apart. This recipe hits that sweet spot where every bite delivers maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Another key difference: the processing technique. Many recipes call for completely pulverizing the broccoli, which can make the final product mushy. Our method preserves just enough texture to give you that satisfying bite while still being cohesive enough to hold together.

Tips

Moisture is your enemy. After steaming your broccoli, pat it dry with paper towels before processing. Excess moisture will make your bites soggy and prevent them from crisping up properly.

Room temperature cheese mixes better. Take your grated cheese out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you plan to use it. Cold cheese clumps together and doesn’t distribute as evenly throughout the mixture.

Don’t skip the cooling time. Let your steamed broccoli cool for at least 5 minutes before adding the egg. Hot broccoli will start cooking the egg immediately, creating an unpleasant texture.

Size matters for even cooking. Try to make your bites roughly the same size — about 1 tablespoon of mixture each. This ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.

Parchment paper is non-negotiable. The cheese can stick to even well-oiled pans. Parchment paper guarantees easy removal and makes cleanup a breeze.

Test for doneness. The bites are ready when the edges are golden brown and the center feels firm when gently pressed. If they’re still soft in the middle, give them another 2-3 minutes.

Fresh herbs elevate everything. A tablespoon of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill stirred into the mixture adds a pop of color and freshness that takes these from good to extraordinary.

Double-check your oven temperature. Every oven runs a bit differently. If your bites are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 375°F and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Print Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Bites (Keto | Low Carb)

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizers Recipe Keys: C Cheesy Bites G Gluten-Free Appetizers K Keto Recipes L Low Carb Snacks

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 12 Estimated Cost: $ 6 Calories: 85

Best Season: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Description

Our tasty baked Broccoli Cheese Bites recipe will delight cheese lovers everywhere! This recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly as well as gluten-free. These cheesy, bite-sized morsels combine tender steamed broccoli with rich cheddar, almond flour, and seasonings, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re a delicious way to get your veggies—especially for picky eaters!

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and pulsed)
• 1¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
• ¹⁄₄ cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Flaked salt or additional sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare broccoli

   Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Do not over-process.
   Mark as complete

3. Mix ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine the pulsed broccoli, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
   Mark as complete

4. Shape the bites

   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a ball. Flatten slightly and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture, leaving space between each bite as they spread slightly.
   Sprinkle with flaked salt if desired.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake until golden

   Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to set.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve warm with keto ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic aioli for dipping. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Serving Size 3 bites

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 85kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 210mg9%

Potassium 190mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 3g1%

Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%

Sugars 1g

Protein 5g10%

---

Calcium 15 mg

Iron 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make ahead: Prepare the mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing: Fully bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Variations: Add crumbled bacon, smoked gouda, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like oregano for extra flavor.
• Serving ideas: Pair with keto ranch, marinara, or serve over salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: broccoli cheese bites, keto broccoli bites, low-carb appetizer, gluten-free cheese bites, easy keto snacks, cheesy broccoli bites