These Broccoli, Cheddar & Zaatar bites are wonderful for any time of day.  Breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer.  A healthy snack on the go or a fun way to get kids to eat their veggies! 

Did you know that broccoli is one of the world’s healthiest foods?  It’s a great source of fiber, high in vitamin C and antioxidants, promotes heart health, and helps to lower cholesterol.  So, if you’re a lover of broccoli and all of its nutritional benefits, then this recipe is for you!  And if you’re not a fan of the cruciferous vegetable, these delicious bites may just change your mind!

This recipe definitely showcases how perfectly broccoli pairs with cheddar cheese, but we felt it needed a bit of a kick.  Our favorite way to add that needed kick?  Zaatar!  Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice mixture that’s tangy and fragrant with a hint of nuttiness and citrus.  When purchasing zaatar, you’ll have to be careful as the choice of ingredients and their qualities vary immensely.  Be sure to stick to a trusted authentic zaatar brand that contains only the key ingredients of the pure zaatar herb (wild thyme), sumac, and sesame seeds – no fillers and wild thyme substitutes, no tasteless ground straw, no artificial ingredients - and your taste buds won’t be disappointed!

 

Broccoli, Cheddar & Zaatar Bites     

Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins, Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: About 7
Serving Size: 3 bites    
Calories: 133, Fat: 9g, Protein: 7g, Carbs: 6g, Fiber: 1g

 

Ingredients

1 large head of broccoli cut into florets (about 2 cups)
2 eggs
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup minced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon zaatar

 

Instructions

1. Begin by steaming the broccoli for a few minutes, until tender, but not mushy. Allow the broccoli to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin pan with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
3. Finely chop the steamed broccoli.
4. Combine the broccoli, panko, onion, garlic, and cheese in a large bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and zaatar until smooth.
6. Fold the egg mixture into the broccoli mixture and mix until well combined.
7. Spoon the mixture, by the tablespoonful, into the prepared mini muffin pan.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin pan.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

We think these broccoli bites taste great on their own, but if you’d like something to dip them in, whip up a quick yogurt sauce by combining ½ cup plain, Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons zaatar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat (optional).