Introduction
Looking for a delicious low carb snack that satisfies your cheese cravings while sneaking in some vegetables? These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds are the answer to your healthy snacking dreams. Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with cheesy goodness, these keto broccoli bites make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or guilt-free snack any time of day.
What makes these broccoli cheese rounds so special is their simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a nutrient-dense snack that's naturally low in carbohydrates and high in flavor. Whether you're following a keto diet, watching your carb intake, or simply looking for creative ways to enjoy more vegetables, this easy appetizer will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
The best part? These cheesy broccoli rounds come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute entertaining, or meal prep sessions. Kids and adults alike love their golden, crispy exterior and melty cheese center.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These low carb broccoli bites check all the boxes for a perfect healthy snack. They're naturally gluten-free when made with almond flour or coconut flour, packed with vitamin-rich broccoli, and loaded with satisfying protein from eggs and cheese. Unlike many store-bought snacks that are heavily processed, these rounds feature real, whole-food ingredients you can feel good about eating.
The texture is absolutely irresistible. The edges get wonderfully crispy and golden brown while the centers remain tender and moist. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of cheesy richness and fresh broccoli flavor, with hints of garlic and onion that round out the taste profile beautifully.
These keto broccoli bites are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, pack them in lunchboxes, enjoy them as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, or simply grab a few when you need a satisfying snack. They're equally delicious served warm from the oven or at room temperature.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Broccoli Cheese Rounds:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup almond flour (or coconut flour for nut-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe as it has the right moisture content and texture. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Too much moisture will prevent the rounds from getting crispy.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but you can experiment with other varieties. Mozzarella creates a stretchier texture, Gruyere adds a sophisticated note, or try a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Always use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Almond Flour: This low carb flour alternative helps bind the ingredients while keeping the recipe keto-friendly. If you have a nut allergy, coconut flour works as a substitute, but use only 3 tablespoons as coconut flour is much more absorbent. You can also use ground flaxseed for additional nutrition and binding power.
Eggs: The eggs act as the primary binder in this recipe. For best results, use room temperature eggs. There isn't a great egg substitute for this recipe as the eggs are crucial for structure, but flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) can work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Finely chop the broccoli florets into small, rice-sized pieces. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or pulse them briefly in a food processor. The smaller the pieces, the better they'll hold together.
Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli
Lightly steam the chopped broccoli for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Alternatively, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This step is crucial as it softens the broccoli just enough to bind while maintaining nutrients. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture is essential for crispy rounds.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, almond flour, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together when pressed. The mixture should be thick and moldable, not runny.
Step 4: Form the Rounds
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop, portion out the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You should get approximately 12-14 rounds. Flatten each portion slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create rounds about ½-inch thick. Leave about 2 inches between each round to allow for even air circulation.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 12-minute mark. The rounds are done when they're golden brown on both sides with crispy edges. For extra crispy rounds, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the broccoli cheese rounds to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving plate. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cheesy broccoli rounds pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces and accompaniments. Serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a tangy contrast. Sugar-free marinara sauce, homemade ranch dressing, or a simple garlic aioli all make excellent dipping options that keep the meal low carb.
For a complete meal, arrange these keto broccoli bites alongside grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or grass-fed beef burgers. They also work wonderfully as part of a vegetable-forward mezze platter with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, and hummus.
These rounds are perfect for entertaining. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, game day gatherings, or holiday celebrations. They're sophisticated enough for adult gatherings yet kid-friendly enough for family meals.
Consider serving them for breakfast or brunch alongside scrambled eggs and fresh avocado slices. The combination creates a satisfying, nutrient-dense start to your day that will keep you energized for hours.
Variations and Customizations
Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by mixing in finely chopped cauliflower, zucchini (squeezed dry), or spinach. These additions increase the vegetable content without significantly changing the texture or carb count.
Spice It Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Fresh or dried jalapeños (seeds removed) also work wonderfully for heat lovers.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs transform the flavor profile. Try adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, dill, chives, or basil to the mixture. Each herb brings its own unique character to these easy appetizers.
Protein Boost: Mix in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled chicken or turkey for added protein and substance. This turns the rounds into a more substantial snack or light meal.
Different Cheese Combinations: Experiment with cheese blends. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates extra gooeyness, while feta and Parmesan offer a Mediterranean twist. Goat cheese adds tangy creaminess.
Make Them Mini: Create bite-sized versions using a tablespoon measure instead of ¼ cup. These mini broccoli cheese rounds are perfect for toddlers or as elegant party appetizers. Reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These low carb broccoli cheese rounds store exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prep. Once completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, these rounds freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They'll maintain quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated rounds, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes for the crispiest results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this creates a soggy texture.
For frozen rounds, you can reheat directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the reheating time, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Nutritional Benefits
These broccoli cheese rounds aren't just delicious; they're genuinely nutritious. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It's also rich in sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cheese provides high-quality protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. Using real cheese rather than processed alternatives ensures you're getting beneficial nutrients like vitamin A and B vitamins.
Eggs contribute additional protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients like choline, which supports brain health. The combination of protein and fat from the eggs and cheese helps keep you satisfied longer, making these an excellent choice for curbing cravings between meals.
With only about 3-4 net carbs per serving (depending on size), these keto broccoli bites fit perfectly into a low carb or ketogenic lifestyle. They provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with traditional carb-heavy snacks.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Rounds
Dry Your Broccoli Thoroughly: This cannot be emphasized enough. Excess moisture is the number one reason these rounds don't hold together or get crispy. Take the time to pat the broccoli completely dry after cooking.
Don't Skip the Flip: Flipping the rounds halfway through baking ensures even browning and crispy edges on both sides. Use a thin spatula and be gentle to prevent breaking.
Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Silicone baking mats work equally well and are a reusable option.
Let the Mixture Rest: If you have time, let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before forming the rounds. This allows the almond flour to absorb moisture and helps everything bind together better.
Consistent Sizing: Try to make all rounds the same size so they cook evenly. Using a measuring cup or ice cream scoop helps achieve uniformity.
Don't Overcrowd: Leave adequate space between rounds on the baking sheet. Overcrowding creates steam, which prevents crisping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without almond flour?
Yes! Coconut flour works well as a nut-free alternative, but use only 3 tablespoons as it's much more absorbent. You can also try ground sunflower seeds for another nut-free option.
Why are my rounds falling apart?
The most common causes are too much moisture in the broccoli or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure to thoroughly dry your broccoli and ensure your eggs are well incorporated. Adding an extra tablespoon of almond flour can help if the mixture seems too wet.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These actually work great as a make-ahead appetizer. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked taste and crispy texture.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes! Most kids love these cheesy broccoli rounds, especially if they're picky about eating vegetables. The cheese masks the broccoli flavor while still providing all those important nutrients. Try making them mini-sized for little hands.
Conclusion
These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds prove that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated. With simple, whole-food ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can create a snack that's both nutritious and absolutely delicious. The combination of crispy edges, cheesy centers, and nutrient-dense broccoli makes every bite satisfying.
Whether you're committed to a keto lifestyle, simply trying to reduce your carb intake, or looking for creative ways to enjoy more vegetables, this easy appetizer delivers on all fronts. The recipe is flexible enough to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand, yet foolproof enough that even beginner cooks will achieve great results.
Make a batch this week and discover your new favorite low carb snack. These broccoli cheese rounds are proof that eating well can be both simple and incredibly tasty. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe (Easy Snack)
Cheesy broccoli rounds that are low carb, crispy-edged, and perfect for snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender, then drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape into rounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each round slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Steamer or pot for blanching
Notes
- Make sure to drain the broccoli very well to prevent soggy rounds.
- These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- You can substitute the almond flour with coconut flour, but use only 2 tablespoons as coconut flour is more absorbent.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.