Broccoli Cheese Cups
Looking for a delightful and nutritious snack? Broccoli Cheese Cups are the perfect solution! These tasty treats not only appeal to kids but are also a hit with adults. They blend the goodness of broccoli with the irresistible flavor of cheddar cheese, making them an excellent choice for after-school snacks, lunchboxes, or even parties. Easy to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients, these cups are sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor disguises the broccoli, making it appealing even to picky eaters.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them warm or cold; they are great for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious components, these cups provide a guilt-free snack option.
- Make Ahead: They store well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare them in advance.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you create perfect broccoli cheese cups every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Fork or spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini muffin tin: This tool is crucial for shaping the cups into bite-sized portions that are perfect for snacking.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl ensures that all ingredients mix well together without spilling.
Ingredients
For these delicious Broccoli Cheese Cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chopped broccoli
- 1 large egg
- 12 Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1 heaping cup of cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375° F. This ensures that your broccoli cheese cups bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Combine all the ingredients—cooked broccoli, egg, crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare Muffin Tin
- Generously grease your mini muffin tin using cooking spray or oil.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into about 16 cups in your muffin tin.
Step 4: Pack Down Mixture
Use your fingers to squish down the mixture firmly in each cup. This helps hold everything together during baking.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
- Top each cup with additional cheddar cheese.
- Place in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Let your broccoli cheese cups cool for at least 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve them warm alone or with ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping.
Step 8: Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy them as a quick snack anytime!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Cups
These Broccoli Cheese Cups make a delightful snack or meal option, perfect for any time of the day. They can be served in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions.
Fun Dipping Options
- Ranch Dressing – A classic choice that adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Ketchup – Kids often love this sweet condiment, making it a hit for dipping.
- Hot Sauce – For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors.
Pair with Fresh Veggies
- Carrot Sticks – Crunchy and sweet, they pair well for a balanced snack.
- Cucumber Slices – Refreshing and hydrating, these add a nice contrast to the warm cups.
- Bell Pepper Strips – Colorful and crunchy, they bring extra nutrients to the plate.
Serve as Part of a Meal
- Alongside Soup – Pair these cups with tomato or vegetable soup for a hearty meal.
- With Salad – A light salad can complement the richness of the cheese cups nicely.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese Cups
To ensure your Broccoli Cheese Cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli – Freshly cooked broccoli gives better flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Crush Crackers Well – Ensure the Ritz crackers are finely crushed for better binding and texture.
- Pack Mixture Tightly – Firmly compacting the mixture in the muffin tin helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Add Extra Cheese on Top – Sprinkling more cheese before baking creates a delicious golden crust.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Feel free to tweak garlic powder and salt according to your preference for flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese Cups
Serving Broccoli Cheese Cups with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
- Fruit Skewers – Colorful fruit on skewers makes for a fun and healthy side option.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy fries offer a sweet contrast that pairs well with cheesy goodness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a nutritious balance.
- Quinoa Salad – This protein-packed salad adds heartiness and flavor variety.
- Vegetable Sticks with Hummus – A nutritious dip like hummus complements the cheese cups nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Broccoli Cheese Cups, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the ingredient prep: Ensure your broccoli is cooked and chopped properly before mixing. This helps achieve an even texture and flavor.
- Not greasing the muffin tin: Generously grease your mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Using cooking spray or oil will make it easier to remove your cups later.
- Overfilling the cups: Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Overfilling can cause them to spill over while baking, leading to a messy oven.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the timer! Baking too long can dry out the cups, while not baking enough can leave them soggy.
- Forgetting to cool before removing: Allowing the cups to cool for at least 5 minutes helps them firm up, making it easier to pop them out without breaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in the fridge if you plan to eat within a short period.
Freezing Broccoli Cheese Cups
- Freeze in single layers on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Broccoli Cheese Cups
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through, but be cautious as they may become soggy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat with a lid until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Broccoli Cheese Cups, here are answers to some common questions:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just ensure it’s thawed and drained well before mixing.
How can I customize my Broccoli Cheese Cups?
Feel free to add other veggies or different types of cheese for added flavor!
Are these suitable for toddlers?
Absolutely! They make for excellent healthy toddler meals with their fun shape and taste.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and firm texture. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheese Cups are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with your favorite cheeses or add-ins. They serve as an ideal snack for kids and adults alike—perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy this tasty yet nutritious treat!
Broccoli Cheese Cups
Broccoli Cheese Cups are a delicious and nutritious snack that both kids and adults will adore. These bite-sized treats combine the goodness of fresh broccoli with the melty richness of cheddar cheese, creating a satisfying option for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or party platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and chopped broccoli
- 1 large egg
- 12 Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1 heaping cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked broccoli, egg, crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Grease a mini muffin tin generously and distribute the mixture evenly into about 16 cups.
- Firmly pack down the mixture in each cup to hold its shape while baking.
- Top with extra cheddar cheese and bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Broccoli Cheese Cup (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg