Steam and cheddar. That’s what hit me when I cracked the oven door. These Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds are like snackable clouds with a golden, cheesy crusteasy enough for a Tuesday, tasty enough for a party. They’ve got that savory crunch everyone’s craving right now, and no one guesses they’re low carb until you say it (or not, your call).
They start with fresh broccoli, shredded cheese, and just a touch of almond flour for bindingno breadcrumbs, no deep frying. Just shape, bake, and boom: crispy veggie cheese bites that taste like comfort with a little crunch. They remind me of retro broccoli cheese casseroles, but modern, lighter, and pan-free. These are freezer-friendly, too, which means you can stash a tray for snack emergencies or fast meal sides. Think baked broccoli cheese fritters, upgraded.
I first made these in late 2018, right after we redid our kitchen and I swore off takeout for a month. My middle kid grabbed one off the pan and yelled, “Whoatater tot vibes!” That’s when I knew we had something. I found the flavor got better with a pinch of garlic powder and letting the mix chill for 10. Little tricks that came from years of testing cozy recipes that happen to be healthy, and from a lifetime of sneaking veggies into very opinionated mouths.
Joe Rooney
Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds You Will Love
Discover the perfect snack with these Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds that offer a delightful crunch and rich cheesy flavor. These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds are great as Crispy Broccoli Cheese Bites or Keto Broccoli Tots, making them a tasty and healthy choice for any occasion. Enjoy cheesy broccoli patties that are easy to prepare and perfect for low carb or keto lifestyles.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the rounds, or warm up a frying pan with some oil over medium heat if you prefer frying.
Wash the broccoli florets well and chop them finely, then steam them for about five minutes until tender; once done, drain and let them cool down a little.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to your taste; stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Add the almond or coconut flour to the mixture and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well.
Next, incorporate the eggs into the bowl and blend fully until the batter is consistent.
Shape the prepared mixture into small round patties approximately 1-2 inches wide.
If baking, arrange the patties on a lined baking sheet, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and optionally sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top; bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides become crispy.
If frying, cook the patties in the preheated pan for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp.
Once cooked, if fried, place the rounds on paper towels briefly to drain any excess oil.
Serve these warm, crispy broccoli cheese rounds with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispness. These rounds make a fantastic keto appetizer or a healthy side dish. Feel free to double the recipe to accommodate more servings.
Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds
Sometimes, you find a recipe that hits all the right notesit’s tasty, comforting, and secretly healthy. These Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds are all that and more. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Simple Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, cheddar, and pantry staples keep things easy and approachable.
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, side, or packed for lunchesideal for busy days.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside.
Low Carb: No breadcrumbs herealmond flour keeps it keto-friendly and light.
Plus, they remind me of those creamy, comforting broccoli bakes from childhood, but in a bite-sized, crispy format.
How to Make Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds, Step by Step
These are incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re a beginner. Here’s your roadmap:
Steam the Broccoli: Wash and finely chop 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, then steam for 5 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Mix the Magic: In a bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Tip: Use the back of a spoon to mash it all together for consistency.
Bind It Together: Stir in ½ cup almond flour. This is what holds your mix together.
Add the Eggs: Crack in 2 large eggs and mix until everything is fully combined.
Shape the Rounds: Form small 1–2 inch patties, pressing firmly to ensure they hold their shape. Set them aside on a lined baking sheet or a plate.
Bake or Fry: For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place patties on a lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. For frying, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top before cooking!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Crispy Rounds
Chill the Mixture: If the mixture feels too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. It’ll firm up and be easier to handle.
Use a Non-Stick Surface: Parchment paper for baking or a quality non-stick pan for frying will ensure no sticking (and less stress!).
Don’t Skip the Flip: If baking, flipping halfway ensures even browning on both sides.
These tips will help you get that perfect crunch on your Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds every time.
How to Serve and Store
These cheesy rounds are incredibly versatile! Here’s how you can serve and keep them fresh:
Serving Ideas: Pair with a creamy dip like ranch or marinara sauce for dipping! They’re great as a snack, side, or party appetizer.
Storage: Leftovers? Store cooled rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to revive that crispiness.
Freezer-Friendly: Lay uncooked rounds on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake or fry straight from frozenjust add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Quick Storage Tips
Storage Method
How Long?
Reheating Tips
Fridge (cooked)
Up to 3 days
Oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes
Freezer (uncooked)
Up to 3 months
Bake or fry from frozen, adding extra time
Tweak, Customize, and Make It Yours
Want to put your own spin on these crispy broccoli cheese bites? Here are a few easy ways to tweak the recipe:
Flour Swap: Out of almond flour? Coconut flour works, toojust reduce it to ⅓ cup since it absorbs more moisture.
Cheese Variety: Sharp cheddar is classic, but try pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Extra Veggies: Finely shredded carrots or zucchini could be addedjust make sure to squeeze out any extra liquid first.
Whatever changes you make, this recipe is forgiving and flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Expert Says
Broccoli’s natural fiber supports digestive health, making these low carb crispy broccoli cheese rounds both satisfying and beneficial. Baking instead of frying enhances crispiness without added fat. Combining cheese adds protein and helps bind the mixture, creating a flavorful, nutrient-dense snack that aligns well with low-carb dietary goals.
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The Long Road to Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds
This recipe took several rounds in my kitchen before I got the balance just right. Early attempts were either soggy or too dense, but each try taught me how to get that perfect crispiness and cheesy punch. Now, these low carb crispy broccoli cheese rounds are a tested favorite that bring comfort without the guilt.
FAQs ( Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds )
How do I make the broccoli rounds crispy?
The trick to getting these crispy veggie cheese bites is to squeeze out excess moisture from the cooked broccoli before combining with cheese and binding ingredients. Bake or air fry them at a high temperature, around 400°F, to develop a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper air circulation for even crisping.
Can I make this dish ahead and reheat it?
Yes, this recipe reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness without sogginess.
Can I freeze the cheesy broccoli patties?
Freezing works well for easy low carb snacks. Place cooled patties on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
What are good dip pairings for this meal?
This dish pairs nicely with creamy dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a tangy mustard sauce. Fresh herbs like dill or chives in your dip complement the cheesy broccoli flavor. Choose low-carb dips to keep this snack keto-friendly.
Can I substitute other cheeses or veggies?
Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor and melt. For veggies, cauliflower works well as a substitute, maintaining texture and taste. Just be sure to squeeze out moisture thoroughly to keep the rounds crispy.
Conclusion
These Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds come together in under 30 minutes, delivering that perfect golden crunch and cozy, cheesy warmth every time. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a snack that feels like a warm hug from the oven.
Try stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack to shake things up. Remember to chill the mixture before shapingit’s a kitchen trick I picked up that really helps achieve that perfect crisp. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven, keeping that satisfying snap.
Give this recipe a whirl and snap a photo to shareI’d love to see your homemade touch! Did you grow up with comforting broccoli bites or cheesy favorites? Save this for yourself and spread the love; family recipes like these always make the best memories.
