These Broccoli Parmesan Bites are an irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and nutritious vegetables, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. With a creamy roasted vegetable sauce to complement the crispy, cheesy broccoli bites, this recipe is both flavorful and wholesome. The blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh veggies is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you serve these bites as an appetizer or as a main course, they’re bound to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetable Sauce:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon yellow paprika powder
- 3 tomatoes, quartered
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
For the Broccoli Bites:
- 1 broccoli head
- 1 egg
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- 30 ml cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Roasted Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a baking dish, place the chopped onion, carrot, red pepper, and quarter tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and yellow paprika powder.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare the Broccoli Bites:
- While the vegetables are roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli for 10 minutes. Drain and allow it to cool.
- Once the broccoli is cool, mash it in a large bowl until it’s finely broken down.
- Add the egg, Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, semolina, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs to the mashed broccoli. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Take small portions of the mixture and form them into balls, placing a small piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each one.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Once the roasted vegetables are done, remove them from the oven and add the minced garlic to the dish.
- Use a blender or food processor to blend the roasted vegetables and garlic into a smooth mixture.
- Stir in cream to create a creamy consistency, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
4. Combine and Bake:
- In a baking dish, pour the creamy roasted vegetable sauce and place the broccoli balls in the sauce.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese in the center of the broccoli bites is melted and the bites are heated through.
5. Serve:
- Serve the broccoli bites hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added touch of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve these delicious broccoli Parmesan bites with a side of rice, quinoa, or a green salad for a light and fulfilling meal.
- As an Appetizer: These bites make an excellent starter for any meal, served alongside a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or marinara sauce.
- With Soup: Serve these bites alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup or cream of vegetable soup for a complete and comforting meal.
- For Kids: These bites make an excellent meal for kids as well. Serve them with some mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables on the side.
- For a Party: These can be served as part of a savory snack spread for parties, offering a wholesome and tasty bite alongside other appetizers.
Cooking Tips
- Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli: When boiling the broccoli, ensure not to overcook it to maintain its texture. A slight firmness is ideal for forming the bites.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor of the dish. Consider using fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for garnish or in the sauce.
- Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick after blending, feel free to add a little more cream or water to get the desired consistency.
- Freeze for Later: If you have leftover broccoli bites, store them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli supports immune health, digestion, and overall wellness.
- Spinach: Loaded with iron, vitamin A, and folate, spinach is excellent for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and heart health.
- Parmesan Cheese: A great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, Parmesan cheese helps strengthen bones and supports muscle function.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, helping to improve bone density and muscle repair.
- Cream: The addition of cream provides healthy fats, offering a rich and satisfying flavor to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tasty and Healthy: These broccoli Parmesan bites are packed with flavor from fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and savory spices. They are also loaded with vitamins and nutrients, making them a healthy choice.
- Versatile: Whether you serve them as a main dish or appetizer, these bites fit into any meal, providing a great balance of veggies and protein.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is perfect for getting kids to eat their veggies, as the flavors of cheese and the roasted vegetable sauce mask the strong taste of broccoli.
- Easy to Prepare: While the recipe involves a few steps, it is straightforward and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the broccoli bites in advance, freeze them, and bake them when needed, making this recipe even more convenient.
Conclusion
These Broccoli Parmesan Bites with Roasted Vegetable Sauce are a fun and nutritious way to enjoy your vegetables. With a crispy exterior, creamy cheese center, and a rich, flavorful roasted vegetable sauce, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering, these bites are bound to impress!
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
2. Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, fontina, or goat cheese.
3. How do I store leftover broccoli bites?
Store leftover broccoli bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the broccoli bites?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to vary the flavor and texture of the bites.