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Baked Broccoli Cheese Dunkers: Like Broccoli Tots on Steroids

If you’re on the hunt for a scrumptious, nutritious snack or side dish, look no further than Baked Broccoli Cheese Dunkers. These delightful morsels take the classic broccoli tot to new heights, combining cheesy goodness with the nutritional benefits of broccoli. Best of all, they can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick meal or as a hit at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love Them

Baked Broccoli Cheese Dunkers are not just delicious—they’re also an excellent way to sneak some greens into your diet. The blend of cheesy flavours with tender, baked broccoli creates a satisfying combination that’s perfect for both kids and adults. What’s more, their dippable nature makes them a fun, engaging addition to any meal—whether enjoyed solo or alongside your favourite sauces.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 2 cups of finely chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with baking parchment or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender, about 5 minutes. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess moisture. Once cooked, chop it finely (a food processor works wonders here).

3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Shape the Dunkers:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small rectangular "dunkers." Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each piece.

5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

6. Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce—ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce work wonderfully.

Tips for Success

• For extra crunch: Feel free to add more breadcrumbs or even cornmeal to the mixture for that extra crispy texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones to suit dietary preferences.
• Add some zing: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a spicy kick to these dunkers.
• Cheese alternatives: While cheddar is a classic, mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can elevate the flavour profile.

Final Thoughts

Baked Broccoli Cheese Dunkers are the perfect way to enjoy the nutritional powerhouse of broccoli in a fun and delicious format. Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, these dunkers are sure to become a family favourite. Whether as a side dish at dinner or a party snack, they’ll surely impress everyone at the table. So grab those ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!