Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli (head of broccoli)
• 6 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded; freshly-shredded for best melting results)
• 2 eggs (large, beaten)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. 2

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. 3

   Cut the tough main stem from the broccoli and discard. Finely chop the head into florets, in 1/4-inch pieces or less. Alternatively, you can pulse the broccoli in a food processor.

4. 4

   Transfer the chopped broccoli to a bowl and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes if time allows to maximize the production of sulforaphane.

5. 5

   Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, beaten eggs, cornstarch, salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper to the broccoli; combine well.

6. 6

   Using a small cookie scoop, divide the mixture into approximately 24 balls, approximately 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches in diameter.

7. 7

   Press the mixture together in your hands so the ingredients hold a ball shape, and place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. The balls will flatten slightly as they bake.

9. 9

   Serve as is, or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Letting cut broccoli sit allows a naturally occurring enzyme called myrosinase to activate, helping maximize the production of sulforaphane, a beneficial antioxidant. Cooking cut broccoli right away can deactivate the enzyme before it fully forms. For best results, use freshly-shredded mozzarella for better melting.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• baked
• broccoli
• meal prep
• low carb