Name: Three Cheese Broccoli Bites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) red potatoes, peeled and cut into even sized chunks; 1 lb (450g) fresh broccoli, chopped into florets; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; ½ cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated; ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 2 eggs; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking oil spray

Jump to Recipe

If you crave a snack that is both comforting and delightfully packed with flavor, these Three Cheese Broccoli Bites will quickly become your go-to treat. Imagine tender mashed red potatoes blended with perfectly steamed broccoli, then layered with three luscious cheeses—cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella—that melt into every bite. Crispy on the outside yet soft and cheesy on the inside, these bites are the perfect way to sneak veggies into your day while indulging in something irresistibly tasty.

Three Cheese Broccoli Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Three Cheese Broccoli Bites comes from simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to create each delightful mouthful. Every component has a role, whether adding creamy texture, earthy flavor, or that satisfying crunch.

Red potatoes: Peeled and chunked evenly, they provide a smooth, comforting base that holds everything together.
Fresh broccoli florets: Steamed to tender perfection, they bring a fresh, vibrant green color and subtle earthiness.
Eggs: Act as an all-natural binder keeping the mixture cohesive when cooking.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy note that complements the veggies beautifully.
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth to every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to bind the ingredients with silky creaminess.
Plain breadcrumbs: Help give structure and body to the bites.
Panko breadcrumbs: Create that irresistible crunchy coating once cooked.
Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory warmth that lifts the flavors.
Smoked paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
Oregano: Brings an herbal brightness to balance richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
Cooking oil spray: Ensures a golden, crispy finish without excess oiliness.

How to Make Three Cheese Broccoli Bites

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your red potatoes into even chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Cover them with cold water and bring to a medium heat, letting them simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until fork-tender. Once cooked, drain and place the potatoes into a cold water bath for a few minutes to stop cooking and cool them down, then mash thoroughly until smooth with no lumps. This will be the soft, pillowy foundation for your bites.

Step 2: Steam the broccoli

While the potatoes are boiling, steam your broccoli florets until tender, about 10 minutes. The goal is to keep the broccoli vibrant green and just soft enough for blending into the mixture. After steaming, transfer the broccoli to a quick cold water bath to keep that fresh color and prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Combine all ingredients

In a large bowl, bring together the mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, eggs, and the triumphant trio of cheeses: cheddar, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, and mozzarella. Add the plain breadcrumbs along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is evenly incorporated and holds together nicely.

Step 4: Shape and coat the bites

Form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Spread out some panko breadcrumbs on a flat plate and carefully roll each ball through them, creating a crisp outer layer that will toast beautifully. Lay the coated balls on parchment paper and give them a light spray of cooking oil to help with browning and crunch.

Step 5: Cook to perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and arrange the prepared balls in a single layer, making sure they have room to crisp up evenly. Air fry them for about 7 to 9 minutes, or until the outside is golden and crispy and the cheeses inside are melted and gooey. The result is a heavenly contrast of textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Three Cheese Broccoli Bites

Garnishes

These bites are wonderful on their own, but dressing them up with garnishes can enhance the experience. Sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of garlic aioli pairs perfectly to brighten up every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your Three Cheese Broccoli Bites alongside a crisp green salad, some roasted cherry tomatoes, or a tangy slaw to balance the richness. They also make an excellent finger food paired with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. These versatile bites shine as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish for a casual lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family gatherings, consider skewering the bites on wooden picks and arranging them on a festive platter with colorful veggies and dips. Alternatively, serve them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or drizzle with a roasted red pepper coulis for a gourmet touch. The possibilities to showcase these bites are endless and always crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Three Cheese Broccoli Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well when chilled and can be a lifesaver for quick snacks or meals on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked bites by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay separate and won’t stick together. Frozen, they’re best used within 1 month and can be cooked straight from the freezer with a slightly longer air-fry time.

Reheating

For reheating, the air fryer does wonders to refresh the bites’ crispiness. Heat them at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid the microwave if you can since it softens the coating and dulls the cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for the Three Cheese Broccoli Bites?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well as long as you thaw and drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture that can affect the texture.

Is it possible to bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even crispness.

Can I substitute any of the cheeses?

While the combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella is ideal, you can swap similar cheeses like gouda or asiago depending on your taste preferences.

Are these bites suitable for freezing after cooking?

You can freeze cooked bites, but freshly cooked ones have a better texture. If freezing cooked bites, wrap them tightly and reheat gently to maintain crispiness.

How can I make these Three Cheese Broccoli Bites gluten-free?

Replace the plain and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts to keep the coating and binding consistent.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that once you try these Three Cheese Broccoli Bites, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. They are simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress guests. Rich, cheesy, and with that perfect crunch, they bring comfort and a little fun to your day. So go ahead and whip up a batch—your taste buds will thank you!

Three Cheese Broccoli Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and crispy Three Cheese Broccoli Bites made with mashed red potatoes, tender broccoli florets, and a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. These savory bites are coated in panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection, making them a perfect snack or appetizer that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Instructions

Cook Potatoes: Place peeled and cut potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to medium heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender by testing with a fork.
Cool Potatoes: Drain potatoes and transfer them to a cold water bath for 3-4 minutes, refreshing the water once or twice.
Mash Potatoes: Once cooled, mash the potatoes thoroughly with a fork or masher until smooth and free of lumps.
Steam Broccoli: Bring water to a boil and steam broccoli florets for about 10 minutes until tender.
Cool Broccoli: Transfer broccoli to a cold water bath for 1 minute to stop cooking.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) to warm up while preparing the mixture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, eggs, grated cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well using hands or a wooden spoon.
Form Bites: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place them on baking paper.
Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Spread Panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Roll each ball in the Panko crumbs ensuring an even coating, then arrange on parchment paper again.
Air-Fry: Spray the coated balls lightly with cooking oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-9 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Notes

For best results, ensure potatoes are completely mashed with no lumps for a smooth texture.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
Customize the cheese blend based on preference or availability, but a mix of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella offers optimal flavor and meltiness.
These bites can be served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Air-frying, steaming, boiling
Cuisine: American