Introduction
Fall is finally here, and with it comes pumpkin spice season—a time when everything gets a warm, spicy twist that makes our taste buds tingle with joy. But what if I told you there’s a way to combine that beloved autumn flavor with a cheesy, savory delight? Enter my Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites: a game day treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
These delicious bites are the perfect fusion of sweet and savory, taking classic game day snacks to a whole new level. Imagine crispy, golden morsels bursting with tender broccoli, enveloped in a creamy cheese mixture, and infused with that iconic pumpkin spice blend. They’re not only a crowd-pleaser but also an ingenious way to get more veggies onto your game day table without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a watch party or simply snacking while cheering on your favorite team, these Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites will be a hit with everyone—from die-hard pumpkin fans to those who are a bit more skeptical. So put on your favorite jersey, grab those snacks, and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice blend)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
-
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and immediately plunge them in ice water to stop cooking. Once cooled, drain again and chop them finely.
-
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, pumpkin spice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
-
- Fold the chopped broccoli into the mixture gently, ensuring the broccoli is well distributed throughout.
-
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form small bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
-
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the bites for added richness and crispiness, optionally sprinkling a bit more cheese on top.
-
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
-
- Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 20 bites
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, finely chopped
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (canned or homemade)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (or your favorite cheese)
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Eggs: 2 large
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (for crunch)
- Pumpkin Spice Blend: 1 teaspoon (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice)
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: for drizzling, optional
- Fresh Parsley or Chives: for garnish (optional)
Feel free to customize these ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs!
Baking Process
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bites will cook evenly and have that appealing golden-brown crust.
-
Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets. Steam or boil the florets for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and let them cool before chopping them finely. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain the excess water.
-
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and finely chopped broccoli with 1 cup of cooked pumpkin puree. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar works wonderfully), 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For that signature pumpkin spice flavor, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix everything well until it forms a cohesive mixture.
-
Form the Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the formed bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out evenly for optimal baking.
-
Coat for Crunch: For an extra crunchy texture, you may optionally roll each bite in a bit of extra breadcrumbs or panko before placing them on the baking sheet.
-
Bake: Once all the bites are arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through to promote even baking.
-
Cool and Serve: After baking, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like a tangy ranch or zesty hot sauce, making these bites the perfect addition to your game day spread!
-
Enjoy!: Gather your friends and family around and enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites as you cheer for your team!
Serving Suggestions
-
Dipping Sauces: Pair your Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate their flavor. A tangy yogurt-based dip, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo can complement the pumpkin spice beautifully.
-
Game Day Platter: Create a game day snack platter by arranging the broccoli bites alongside other finger foods like buffalo cauliflower, sweet potato fries, and nacho cheese dip. It’s sure to please both veggie lovers and those craving heartier snacks.
-
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the bites right before serving. This adds a refreshing touch that brightens the dish.
-
Served Warm: These bites are best enjoyed warm and crispy. Serve them straight out of the oven, letting your guests indulge in their gooey, cheesy center and aromatic spices.
-
Food Pairings: Pair these delicious bites with a seasonal beverage like apple cider or a light craft beer. The sweetness of the beverage enhances the pumpkin flavors while balancing the savory broccoli.
-
Mini Sliders: Transform your pumpkin spice and cheesy broccoli bites into mini sliders! Place them on small buns with a slice of tomato and a dollop of avocado spread for a fun twist.
-
Cheese Board Addition: Add the bites to a cheese board alongside various cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers. They can serve as a unique addition that will intrigue your guests.
-
Savory Salad Side: Serve your bites on a bed of arugula or spinach salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. The light, peppery greens will be a perfect contrast to the cheesy richness of the bites.
These serving suggestions are great ways to ensure your Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites are the hit of your game day gathering! Enjoy the flavors and the fun!
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice and Cheesy Broccoli Bites are the perfect addition to your game day spread, offering a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy both savory and sweet cravings. With their cheesy goodness and hints of warm spice, they stand out as a unique snack that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Easy to prepare and fun to eat, these bites not only bring the comfort of fall flavors but also pack in the nutritional benefits of broccoli, making them a guilt-free indulgence. So, whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or enjoying a cozy gathering, these broccolicious bites are sure to be a winning play! Don’t forget to whip up a batch, as they’re bound to become a crowd favorite at any occasion. Happy snacking!
