I could not wait to try these out because I love broccoli and cheese, but I don’t care much for broccoli without cheese. I figured my toddler and husband would love these too as it’s a family friendly recipe; my hunch was right and these stole the show for dinner! These broccoli cheese cups are vegetarian snacks that can also be lunches or dinners. You can also make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Anytime you need a quick bite, just pop a few into your microwave and in less than one minute, you have a healthy snack full of cruciferous vegetables. If you like this recipe, then you’ll fall in love with my delicious Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Mashed Potato Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese Casserole, and Easy Mac N’ Cheese Cups!
My delicious Broccoli Cheese Cups contain broccoli, Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and an egg, and are done in less than 25 minutes! I love making this quick and easy dinner on busy, activity filled weeknights where I want my family to eat healthy, while still keeping up with sports and activities! I love the fact that this recipe contains crushed Ritz crackers which give each bite an irresistible salty crunch!
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable like cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, bok choy, etc. Cruciferous vegetables contain phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which is beneficial for your health. According to Wed MD’s article, one of the biggest reasons to eat cruciferous vegetables is to decrease your cancer risk. Various components in cruciferous vegetables have been linked to lower cancer risks. Some have proven to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver, and cervix, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. If eating broccoli helps stave off cancer, then count me in!
I prefer to use grated cheddar on the bottoms and tops of each muffin as it gives it more of a crispy taste. If you don’t wish to add extra, you certainly don’t have to.
Ingredients in Broccoli Cheese Cups
Broccoli. A frozen bag of broccoli is needed to make this recipe.
Ritz crackers. Ritz crackers give these cups a salty crunch.
Cheddar cheese. Freshly grated or shredded cheddar cheese will work. We like freshly grated the best as it tastes the best and unlike the store-bought pre-shredded variety, does not contain any additives or preservatives.
Garlic powder. Garlic powder gives the cheese cups a fragrant flavor.
Onion powder. Onion powder combines with the garlic powder to produce a savory seasoning.
Salt. Just a dash of salt helps season the cheese cups.
Pepper. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper taste best in this recipe.
Egg. An egg provides nutrition, flavor, and helps bind the ingredients.
How to make the best Broccoli Cheese Cups
STEP 1: Preheat your oven and grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
STEP 2: In a medium bowl, add the cooked broccoli, crackers, 1.5 c shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg, and mix until blended.
STEP 3: Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar to the bottom of each mini muffin. Top with the mixture and use your hands to flatten it down to ensure that it’s compact. Top with additional cheese.
STEP 4: Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan.
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Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Broccoli Cheese Cups, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Broccoli Cheese Cups
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz. frozen bag broccoli cooked and chopped
- 14 Ritz crackers crumbled
- 2 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, add the cooked broccoli, crackers, 1.5 c shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg, and mix until blended.
- Add 1 c of the grated cheese to the bottom of each mini muffin. Top with the mixture and use your hands to flatten it down to ensure that it’s compact. Top with additional cheese.
- Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
- If you are looking for a quiche consistency, add one more egg. The texture of these is crispy.
- You can use fresh broccoli, but frozen is much quicker and works just as well.
- You can add or remove any of the seasonings.
Nutrition (per serving)
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