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Crispy Savory Broccoli Cheese Sticks Recipe Kids Will Love Easy Snack Idea

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These crispy savory broccoli cheese sticks are a quick, kid-friendly snack that combines broccoli and cheese into a crunchy, cheesy treat perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 150 grams) broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (about 50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup (about 80 grams) breadcrumbs (plain panko preferred)
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

  1. Finely chop about 2 cups (150 g) of fresh broccoli florets using a food processor or sharp knife.
  2. Steam the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain excess moisture thoroughly by pressing with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli with shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
  4. Add lightly beaten eggs to the broccoli-cheese mixture and stir to combine until sticky enough to hold shape but not overly wet.
  5. Form the mixture into small sticks about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, aiming for consistent size. You should get around 12-15 sticks.
  6. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and roll each stick gently but thoroughly to coat all sides.
  7. For oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crunchy.
  8. For air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sticks in a single layer in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning once.
  9. Transfer cooked sticks to a cooling rack for a few minutes to keep crisp. Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Drain broccoli thoroughly to avoid soggy sticks. Use sharp cheddar and Parmesan for best flavor and crispiness. Coat sticks with breadcrumbs just before cooking to maintain crunch. If mixture is too wet, add extra breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk or another egg. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep coating crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese sticks, kid-friendly snack, crispy broccoli sticks, cheesy snack, easy snack recipe, gluten-free broccoli sticks, air fryer broccoli sticks

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