These broccoli bites will get your kids to eat their veggies, I promise!!! They are so tasty, savory, crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. One bite you will be hooked! Also, be sure to check out my recipe for Cauliflower Fritters. They are also very tasty!! You can adapt both recipes for a gluten-free lifestyle. Here are the directions.

Start by heating the frozen broccoli with cheese sauce in the microwave according to the directions on the bag. Let it cool. Then place in the blender for 30 seconds to break up the florets. Once all the large pieces are broken up, add it to a large bowl. Add in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour (you may use gluten-free flour here as well), 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and mix these ingredients together. If you find it’s still a little wet add in a tablespoon of flour. Add in black pepper, and see salt to add some flavor. Shape into balls.

Set up three bowls: one bowl with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one bowl with 1/2 cup of Panko Italian style breadcrumbs, and one bowl with 1/2 cup milk. Reserve the rest of the ingredients, use as needed.  Season the flour with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Also, season the Panko breadcrumbs with the same seasonings and a sprinkle of parsley as well. Add in a good amount of paprika so these turn a nice deep brown hue.

Start the dipping process: dip the well rounded balls in flour, then milk, and last in the seasoned Panko* breadcrumb mixture. Roll them around to coat the entire ball. Place on a lined cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Set the oven to 375 degrees. Once it is heated, place these in the oven for about 18-20 minutes. The last 4 minutes crank up the heat to 400 degrees.

Set up a non-stick frying pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Heat up and place the balls in the olive oil and brown all over. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they are browned and crispy! Place on a plate lined with a paper towels to absorb some of the oil.

Next, make the dip. You’ll need 4 tablespoons of sour cream and 2 heaping tablespoons of store-bought Tzatziki along with a squeeze of lemon. Optional; you may add chopped dill. Mix these together. Place the dip inside a plastic bag and snip off the end.  Squeeze a dollop on each ball, and serve. You may also place each ball inside a cupcake holder, for easy eating and holding at a party.

You can re-heat these in the microwave to warm up. These will be a big hit! Enjoy!

*Use Panko breadcrumbs. These are best for this recipe, and once fried these will be very crunchy!