🥦 Cheesy Broccoli Sticks, A Tasty Way to Eat Your Greens!

Hey friends! If you’re someone who doesn’t love broccoli, don’t worry I’ve got the perfect recipe to change your mind. These Cheesy Broccoli Sticks are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re super easy to make and a great way to sneak more veggies onto the plate. Even picky eaters will want seconds!

👩‍🍳 Method (In Detail)

Boil the Broccoli

Start by preparing your broccoli. Cut one head of broccoli into smaller florets so it cooks evenly. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for about 10 minutes until they become soft and tender. This step is important because soft broccoli will mix better with the other ingredients and help the sticks hold their shape. Once the broccoli is done boiling, drain it using a strainer and let it cool down for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle.

Chop the Broccoli

After the broccoli has cooled slightly, it’s time to chop it up very finely. You can use a knife and cutting board if you like doing things by hand, or you can pulse the boiled broccoli in a food processor a few times to speed things up. The goal is to make the pieces as small as possible almost like a mash so they mix well and don’t fall apart when baking.

Mix the Ingredients

Now take a large mixing bowl and add in your finely chopped broccoli. To that, add 30–40 grams of breadcrumbs (you can start with 30 and add more if needed), 80 grams of shredded cheddar cheese, 20 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs. Begin mixing everything together using a spoon until it starts to come together. Then, use your clean hands to finish mixing and press the mixture into a soft, sticky dough. Using your hands helps everything stick together evenly.

Shape the Sticks

Once your mixture is fully combined, start shaping it into sticks. You can take a small amount of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and gently roll it between your hands to form long, thin stick shapes almost like mozzarella sticks or small veggie logs. Try to keep them the same size so they bake evenly in the oven.

Prepare for Baking

Get a baking tray ready by lining it with parchment paper. This step is optional, but it makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent sticking. Place each broccoli stick onto the tray, leaving a little space between them so they don’t touch. This gives them room to crisp up properly.

Bake and Flip

Preheat your oven to 180°C (about 350°F). Once it’s hot, place the tray in the oven and bake the broccoli sticks for a total of 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, carefully flip each stick over using a spatula or fork. This step helps both sides get crispy and golden brown. After another 10 minutes, they should be ready to eat crispy on the outside, cheesy and soft on the inside!

🧰 Necessary Tools

• Medium pot (to boil the broccoli)
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon and clean hands
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Dip them in ketchup, ranch, or your favorite sauce.
• Serve as a side dish with pasta or grilled chicken.
• Make them into a snack platter with carrots, cucumbers, and other finger foods.

🌟 Fun Fact

Broccoli is part of the same veggie family as cabbage and cauliflower. It’s full of vitamin C, fiber, and even a little bit of iron just like a superhero for your body!

✅ Conclusion

These Cheesy Broccoli Sticks are one of my favorite ways to turn a healthy veggie into something delicious and fun. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and packed with goodness. Try them for your next snack or dinner side you might just fall in love with broccoli!