Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are a tasty treat you won’t want to miss! They’re made with fresh broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped up and baked to golden perfection.
These little bites are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. I love popping them in the oven for a quick and cheesy delight that even picky eaters enjoy—who knew veggies could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for these poppers. If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen broccoli; just defrost and drain it well before chopping.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for something spicier work well. Cream cheese can also be swapped with ricotta or even cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the poppers their delightful crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they may not be as crispy. You can also make your own by toasting bread and crushing it.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp on My Poppers?
Getting that crispy outer layer is simple but crucial! Start by properly breading each popper. Make sure to coat them in flour first to help the egg stick better.
- Use a decent amount of oil—enough for frying. It should be heated to 350°F for optimal cooking.
- Fry the poppers in small batches to prevent them from steaming. Crowding the pan will make them soggy.
- Drain them on paper towels immediately after frying; this helps keep them crispy.
Trust me, these little tips will help your poppers turn out perfectly every time!
How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
For Optional Garnish and Dipping:
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Dipping sauce such as spicy mayo, ranch, or cheese sauce
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for frying. So, from start to finish, you can enjoy these delicious poppers in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Broccoli:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the finely chopped broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking. After cooling, drain again and finely chop or pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is fully combined and looks cheesy and green!
3. Bind the Mixture:
Add the egg to the broccoli mixture and stir well to bind all the ingredients together. This will help hold the poppers in shape when you fry them.
4. Shape the Poppers:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or a baking sheet as you go.
5. Prepare for Breading:
Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, add the lightly beaten egg. In a third bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs. This will make it easy to coat each popper.
6. Bread the Poppers:
Roll each broccoli-cheddar ball first in the flour, making sure it’s coated on all sides. Next, dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to get that crispy outer layer.
7. Fry the Poppers:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the poppers in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to keep them nice and crispy! Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the warm poppers with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if using. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy mayo, ranch, or a cheesy sauce for extra flavor!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, broccoli-packed poppers with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping it. This helps to maintain the right texture in your poppers.
How Can I Make These Poppers Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free poppers, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They will be just as delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown!
