Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds (Low Carb Snack)
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm snack to tide you over until dinnertime. The aroma of cheesy, baked goodness wafting from the oven can turn a dreary afternoon into a cozy moment of bliss. Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful low-carb treat that combines wholesome ingredients with the rich, creamy flavor of cheese — Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds.
As I was reminiscing about my childhood, these little bites reminded me of the crispy veggie patties my grandmother used to make. She’d serve them alongside a bowl of her homemade ranch dressing, and we would devour them while the sun dipped low in the sky. This recipe is just as easy and rewarding, making it perfect for those easy weeknight dinners or when you have a surprise visit from friends.
Trust me, once you make these Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or snacking.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters — they won’t even realize they’re eating broccoli!
- Low-Carb Option: Great for those adhering to low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to your liking, making each batch a new adventure.
- Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Great for gatherings, game nights, or just a cozy night in front of the TV.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To whip up these delightful bites, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (10oz) bag frozen broccoli rice (about 2 cups)*
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (not the pre-shredded)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- Seasoning to taste (I use garlic salt)
How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds (Low Carb Snack)
Let’s embark on this cozy culinary adventure together!
Start by cooking the broccoli rice in the microwave according to the package directions. Once cooked, place it in a fine strainer and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture! Set the broccoli aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help our rounds get slightly crispy without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained broccoli rice, shredded cheddar cheese, the egg, almond flour, and your preferred seasoning. I like to add a pinch of garlic salt for that extra punch of flavor.
With clean hands, mix everything until well combined. Then, scoop out about 16 small balls of the mixture and place them evenly on your baking sheet. Gently smoosh them with your hands to flatten them slightly, creating a nice, round shape.
Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. After the first bake, flip each round over and continue to bake for another 8-10 minutes until they are irresistibly crispy.
Enjoy them warm, either on their own or paired with a side of ranch dressing for dipping!
Variations & Creative Twists
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds:
- Zesty Jalapeño: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Spinach: Swap out a cup of broccoli rice for fresh spinach, melding beautifully with the cheddar.
- Savory Bacon: Fold in some crispy crumbles of turkey bacon for a savory twist.
- Herbed Delight: Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley or dill for a refreshing flavor twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: These rounds can be prepared in advance! Make the mixture, form the balls, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have almond flour, try using coconut flour or regular flour, but note this might alter the carb count.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Freezable: You can freeze the uncooked rounds! Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition information per serving (based on 16 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 round
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or spices.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? They are best enjoyed within a few days, but you can freeze uncooked rounds for later!
Wrapping It Up
These Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds are not just a treat for your taste buds; they bring warmth, comfort, and joy to your kitchen. Each bite is a crunchy celebration of wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether for a late afternoon snack or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Save this Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds (Low Carb Snack) to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
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Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds (Low Carb Snack)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Delightful low-carb snacks made with broccoli and cheese, perfect for any gathering or cozy night.
Ingredients
- 1 (10oz) bag frozen broccoli rice (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- Seasoning to taste (garlic salt recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli rice in the microwave according to the package directions. Drain excess liquid in a fine strainer and let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the drained broccoli rice, cheddar cheese, egg, almond flour, and seasoning.
- Mix well using hands, scoop out small balls, and flatten them slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown, flip over, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- Serve warm, with ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
You can customize flavors by adding ingredients like jalapeños or bacon. These can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 round
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
