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Crispy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Bites
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 20 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz vegan cheese (e.g., dairy-free cheddar or mozzarella), diced into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 flax eggs (for coating) (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. Drain and let cool slightly, then finely chop.
- Prepare the Broccoli Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, vegan shredded cheeses, diced vegan cheese pieces, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup Panko crumbs. Mix well.
- Bind the Mixture:
- Prepare the flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Add the flax egg to the broccoli cheese mixture and mix thoroughly to bind.
- Coating Preparation:
- Set up three shallow bowls with all-purpose flour, prepared flax eggs (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water), and the remaining 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs.
- Form and Coat the Bites:
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in the flour, dip in the prepared flax eggs, and coat evenly with the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Frying:
- In a deep fryer or skillet, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350°F.
- Fry the broccoli cheese bites in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fried bites on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve:
- Let the vegan broccoli cheese bites cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Notes:
- These bites can also be baked instead of fried. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare ahead and reheat in the oven before serving if making in advance.
- Experiment with different vegan cheese varieties to vary the flavors of your broccoli cheese bites.
Enjoy these vegan crispy broccoli cheese bites as a delicious appetizer or snack! They feature a crunchy Panko crust and a flavorful, cheesy broccoli center, perfect for any occasion.