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Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites

Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites

Soft, golden broccoli and cheese bites baked until crisp on the outside. A fun finger food that toddlers and grown-ups both enjoy.

12-18mo+

15 min prep · 30 min cook · 45 min total · 36 servings

MilkWheatEgg

Ingredients

Contains optional added salt for older eaters. Skip it for babies under 12 months.

  • 180 g broccoli, roughly chopped6.35 oz broccoli, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 medium onion, grated
  • 240 ml panko breadcrumbs1.01 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 100 g cheese, grated3.53 oz cheese, grated
  • 2 each egg, lightly beaten
  • 15 ml olive oil1.01 tbsp olive oil
  • salt (to taste), for over-1s and adults
  • pepper (to taste), for over-1s and adults

Steps

Prep the Broccoli

  1. Preheat your oven to 200C (400F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Roughly chop the broccoli, then steam for 3 to 4 minutes until tender enough to mash easily.
  3. Grate the onion finely so it blends smoothly into the mixture.

Mix

  1. Place the steamed broccoli in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until broken down.
  2. Add the grated onion, panko, grated cheese, eggs, and olive oil to the bowl.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined into a thick, sticky mixture.

Bake

  1. Scoop tablespoons of the mixture, roll gently into balls, and space them out on the lined tray.
  2. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly golden and crisp on the outside.
  3. Let the bites cool slightly before serving. For over-1s and adults, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories
25
Protein
1g
Fat
2g
Carbs
2g

Tips by age

12-18mo

Serve one warm bite at a time, broken into smaller pieces if it feels firm. Let your child self-feed and check the inside is soft.

Choking safety: Whole rounded bites can be a choking risk; break into small pieces and supervise closely.

18-24mo

Offer whole bites cut in half so they are easy to pick up and chew. These make a good dippable snack with plain yogurt.

Choking safety: Cut bites in half to avoid a round whole-piece choking risk and supervise eating.

2-3y

Serve whole or halved as finger food. Encourage chewing well and offer water alongside.

Choking safety: Halve larger bites and remind your child to take small bites.

3-5y

Serve as written, two or three bites per portion, alongside a vegetable dip if you like.

5-8y

Serve as written as a snack or lunchbox addition. Older kids may enjoy a light pinch of salt and pepper added at the end.

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