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These Broccoli Cheese Cups are a perfect snack or appetizer that combines broccoli with the irresistible flavor of cheese, all held together with crispy Ritz crackers.
Easy to make and kid-friendly, these cups are a great way to sneak some vegetables into your family’s diet.
Simply toss everything together and bake in a mini muffin tin for a fun and easy treat.
You and your kids will appreciate this quick snack idea that combines the goodness of broccoli with the irresistible flavor of cheese, all encased in a crispy Ritz cracker shell.
They’re perfect for toddlers, kids, teenagers, busy moms, and even picky eaters who might shy away from vegetables.
These little broccoli cups are not only scrumptious but also an excellent way to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diet without them even noticing! T
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and finely chopped broccoli
- 1 large egg
- 12 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 heaping cup of shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
3- Generously grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
4- Spoon the broccoli mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Use your fingers to press the mixture down firmly.
5- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of each cup.
6- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7- Allow the cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Cups
- For best results, use finely chopped broccoli. You can use a food processor to achieve a consistent, small chop.
- Don’t skimp on greasing the muffin tin – this will ensure easy removal of the cups after baking.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can add a pinch of shredded cheese to the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the broccoli mixture.
- For extra flavor, try adding 1/4 cup of finely diced onion to the mixture.
Storage and Reheating
These Broccoli Cheese Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Variations
- Cheesy Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses.
- Veggie Mix: Add other finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Protein Boost: Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for added protein.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These Broccoli Cheese Cups are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a quick, on-the-go breakfast
- Packed in lunchboxes for a nutritious school snack
- Served as appetizers at parties or gatherings
- As a side dish with dinner
Consider serving them with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Each Broccoli Cheese Cup (assuming the recipe makes 16 cups) contains approximately:
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Remember, these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy these delicious, cheesy, and nutritious Broccoli Cheese Cups as a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!