If you’re looking for a ridiculously craveable low-carb snack or appetizer, Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites are here to make your day! Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy inside, and loaded with tender broccoli, these little flavor bombs are sure to win over kids, guests, and the pickiest eaters at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Addictive Crunch: Each Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bite is crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey inside, thanks to a genius pork rind “breading.”
- Family-Friendly Flavors: This snack will disappear in minutes! Even broccoli skeptics can’t resist the cheesy, garlicky filling.
- Easy to Make Ahead: The make-ahead freezer step means you can prep these in advance and fry them fresh right before guests arrive, game-time, or lunchboxes.
- Low-Carb, High Satisfaction: All of the comfort, none of the guilt—these bites are 100% keto approved with zero flour or breadcrumbs in sight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites is that they rely on just a handful of simple, real-food ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in the cheesy flavor, crispy crust, and irresistible texture!
- Frozen Broccoli: Thawed and well-drained, frozen broccoli is super convenient and prevents the filling from becoming watery.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese brings a dreamy creaminess that binds everything together.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate your own for the best melt and the boldest cheddar bite.
- Fresh Garlic: A must for depth and savory aroma—mince or press for best flavor distribution.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick that wakes up the whole bite—but you can dial it back if you prefer less heat.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to season! These build the foundation for all the flavors to pop.
- Coconut Flour: Just a dusting keeps the outside dry and helps the breading stick—plus, it’s keto-friendly.
- Eggs & Cream: This duo acts as your “glue,” ensuring the pork rind crumbs perfectly adhere while frying.
- Pork Rind Crumbs: The trick to ultra-crispy, gluten-free, low-carb breading. Pulse pork rinds in your food processor for best results.
- Frying Oil: Use a high-heat oil like avocado, light olive oil, or peanut oil for golden, crunchy perfection.
Variations
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites are totally customizable! Whether you want to try new flavors, change up the veggies, or adapt them for other dietary needs, these little bites are ready to play.
- Bacon Lovers: Stir in some finely crumbled, cooked bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor—bacon and cheddar are always better together!
- Switch up the Cheese: Don’t be afraid to try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for fun flavor twists.
- Make It Spicier: Add finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for heat seekers who like it bold.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Swap out pork rinds for almond flour “breading” if avoiding meat, just keep an eye on the carb count.
How to Make Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Step 1: Chop & Mix the Filling
Start by chopping the thawed broccoli into teeny pieces—think confetti! In a big bowl, combine it with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the mashing; you want everything evenly mixed so each bite delivers cheesy, veggie-packed bliss.
Step 2: Shape & Freeze
Roll the broccoli mixture into small balls—aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment or wax paper–lined tray. Once they’re all prepped, pop them in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. This is the secret to keeping them sturdy for breading and frying later!
Step 3: Bread the Bites
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with coconut flour, another with the whisked eggs and cream, and a third with your pork rind crumbs. Take each frozen ball and give it a light flour dusting, a quick dip in the egg mixture, then a sexy roll in the pork rinds. Your Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites are ready for their golden moment!
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat your oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F—use a thermometer for best results. Fry 4 to 6 bites at a time for about 3 minutes, turning gently to ensure they brown evenly. The goal is a deeply golden crust and a melty, tender center. Drain on paper towels and repeat in batches until you’ve fried every last delicious one.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the bites cool slightly—they’re best at room temperature, so the cheese doesn’t burn your mouth. Arrange on a platter, call your favorite people, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “keto snack-time.”
Pro Tips for Making Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites
- Ultra-Crispy Coating: Grind pork rinds to a fine crumb for the ultimate crunch—larger bits won’t stick as evenly when frying.
- Freeze for Success: Don’t rush the freeze time! Fully frozen bites hold their shape and prevent the cheese from leaking into the oil.
- Temperature is Everything: Use a thermometer and keep oil between 330°F and 350°F for perfectly cooked outsides and melty, not soggy, middles.
- Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pot, ensuring each Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bite gets gorgeously golden and stays crispy.
How to Serve Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds bright color and a hint of freshness to finish your Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites. A little flaky sea salt right as they come out of the fryer takes them over the top—don’t skip it for restaurant-worthy results!
Side Dishes
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites shine next to a crisp green salad, or alongside sliced cucumbers and radishes for a refreshing contrast. For party spreads, I love serving them with a tangy ranch or sriracha mayo dip for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the bites high on a rustic board with bowls of zesty dips, or skewer them with colorful toothpicks for an easy pass-around appetizer. For a comfort food platter, set them alongside air fryer wings or other keto-friendly snacks for a happy hour that no one will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay crisp if you cool them completely before closing the lid!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbreaded, shaped broccoli-cheese balls for up to 2 months. Just bread and fry straight from the freezer whenever you need a fresh batch—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To revive the crispness, reheat Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but won’t give you that signature crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just steam your fresh broccoli until fork-tender, then chop it finely and let it cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients. Make sure it’s as dry as possible for the best results.
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What’s the best oil for frying Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites?
For the highest, crispiest finish, go with avocado oil or light olive oil that can handle high heat (up to 400°F). Steer clear of coconut oil unless you enjoy its distinct flavor in savory dishes.
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Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange breaded bites on a well-oiled baking sheet and spritz them lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F until golden and hot, about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
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Are Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites gluten-free?
Yes—if you stick with pork rinds and coconut flour for the breading, these bites are naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a recipe that brings everyone to the table, and Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites do exactly that. I hope you tuck this easy, satisfying snack into your rotation—give them a try and let me know if they become as big a hit in your home as they are in mine!
PrintKeto Broccoli Cheddar Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Keto
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Keto Broccoli Cheddar Bites are deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party dish, these low-carb bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and drained (about 6 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 ounces cheddar, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Keto Breading
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp cream
- 1 1/2 cups pork rind crumbs
Frying Oil
- 3 to 4 cups oil for frying
Instructions
- Chop and Combine: Chop the broccoli finely and place in a large bowl. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until well combined.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into balls no bigger than 1 inch and place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours.
- Prepare Breading: Spread coconut flour in a dish. Whisk eggs and cream together. Spread pork rinds in another bowl.
- Coat and Fry: Roll each ball in coconut flour, dip in egg, and dredge in pork rind crumbs. Fry in hot oil for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve at room temperature to avoid burning your mouth with melty cheese.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature for frying to ensure the perfect texture of the bites.
- These bites can be frozen after frying and reheated in the oven for later consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg