Description
Golden baked broccoli bites made with feta, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and fresh herbs, finished with a warm drizzle of sweet and gently spicy hot honey. Perfect as an appetiser, party snack, or vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Bites
4 cups (300 g) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup (100 g) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
3/4 cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Hot Honey
3 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
For Serving
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes.
2. Drain the broccoli well, rinse briefly with cold water, and squeeze or pat it thoroughly dry to remove as much excess moisture as possible. Finely chop the broccoli.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, feta, Parmesan, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape into small round or oval bites.
5. Place the shaped bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Lightly brush or spray the tops with a small amount of olive oil to help them become golden and crisp.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning the bites halfway through, until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
8. While the broccoli bites bake, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
9. Warm the honey mixture over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently. Do not bring it to a boil.
10. Remove the broccoli bites from the oven and let them cool for 2–3 minutes.
11. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and dill.
12. Drizzle lightly with the warm hot honey just before serving.
13. Serve warm with extra hot honey on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
Dry the broccoli thoroughly because excess moisture can make the mixture too soft and prevent the bites from becoming crisp. Chop the broccoli finely so the bites hold together more easily. Leave space between the bites on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate. Turn the bites halfway through baking so both sides brown evenly. Frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before chopping. Feta can be replaced with another crumbly cheese, such as mild goat cheese. Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder hot honey. The mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, covered, until ready to shape and bake. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore their crisp texture. Serve as an appetiser, party snack, or vegetable side dish with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple salad. For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, serve with whipped feta, Greek yogurt, hummus, cucumber salad, olives, and warm flatbread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean