Broccoli Cheese Cups – Crispy Bites of Cheesy Green Goodness
Introduction
Broccoli Cheese Cups are a game-changer for snack time. Originating as a playful twist on classic tots, these bite-sized snacks sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavor. They’re especially ideal for picky eaters and toddlers who might usually avoid anything green. Whether served as a quick after-school bite, packed into a school lunch, or paired with a dipping sauce for a party appetizer, these cheesy, savory cups hit the mark. Pair them with a small fruit smoothie, carrot sticks with hummus, or even tomato soup for a comforting mini meal.
Ingredients and Tools (for 16 cups)
Ingredients (for 1 batch – 16 cups)
3 cups cooked and chopped broccoli
1 large egg
12 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Tools and Equipment
Mixing bowl
Food processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
Silicone mini muffin liners (optional for easier release)
Scalable Ingredient Table
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Microwave or steam your broccoli until tender, then finely chop it.
Crush your Ritz crackers using a food processor or in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, crushed crackers, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
Generously spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Spoon the mixture into about 16 mini muffin cups, packing each one down with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Top each cup with a pinch of extra cheese.
Bake on the center rack for 14–16 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese on top starts to brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before carefully removing.
Serve warm with ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping.
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Broccoli Cheese Cups are the ultimate combo of crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed. They're great for kids of all ages, super customizable with your favorite seasonings, and a breeze to prep ahead. Try adding onion powder or black pepper for a flavor boost, or toss in an extra egg if you're leaning toward a quiche-like texture. Want them extra crispy? Sprinkle a little cheese in the bottom of each muffin tin well before baking. Grab the tools below from our Amazon store to make this recipe even easier, and be sure to explore more kid-approved snacks on the blog.
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