If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s not only satisfying but also keeps your carb count low, then you’re in for a treat with this Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe. These golden, crispy rounds pack a punch of flavor with their blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses paired perfectly with tender broccoli, creating a bite-sized delight that’s irresistibly tasty and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a party appetizer, or something to impress your family during weeknight dinners, this recipe effortlessly fits into your low-carb lifestyle while delivering all the comfort and flavor you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe plays a vital role, coming together to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the vibrant green broccoli, which adds freshness and nutrients, to the cheeses that bring gooey richness and depth, every component is thoughtfully chosen to keep this snack delicious and on-point with low carb goals.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, finely chopped to ensure small bites and even cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, creamy flavor that melts beautifully into the rounds.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: A perfect low-carb flour alternative that adds structure without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity that complements the cheddar.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together so the rounds hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory notes that elevate the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the rounds become light and slightly fluffy instead of dense.
How to Make Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have your oven ready early so that when your mixture is formed, you can bake immediately for the best texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, give it a quick steam or boil just until tender, which takes about 3-4 minutes—this keeps the florets vibrant and not mushy. For frozen broccoli, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid any watery rounds later on.
Step 3: Chop Finely
Once the broccoli is cooked, chop it finely. This creates the perfect bite-sized pieces that blend beautifully with the cheese and flour. Removing as much excess moisture as possible is key here; you can even gently press it with a paper towel to keep the mixture from becoming soggy during baking.
Step 4: Mix It Up
Combine the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, almond flour, eggs, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and baking powder in a large bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to mix well until everything is evenly incorporated—this gets your mixture ready for shaping.
Step 5: Shape the Rounds
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small rounds about 1-2 inches wide. Flatten each one slightly so they bake evenly. Lay them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet to give each round room to crisp up.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rounds turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm when you touch them. This is when you know they’re perfectly cooked with a lovely crispy exterior and tender interior.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the rounds cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. Cooling helps them set and enhances their crispness.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Serve these Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds as a snack by themselves or pair them with your favorite low-carb dips like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli for added dimension. They’re as good on a busy weeknight as they are at a weekend gathering.
How to Serve Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the cheesy richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a little visual appeal and subtle smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
These rounds pair wonderfully with crisp salads loaded with fresh greens and vinaigrettes, or a bowl of warm soup for a cozy, low-carb meal. They also make a fantastic companion to grilled chicken or fish for more substantial options.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these rounds into bite-sized appetizers by skewering them with cherry tomatoes and olives for an eye-catching platter. Or stack them with layers of sliced avocado and tomato drizzled with balsamic glaze for a fun low-carb finger food perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can quickly grab a flavorful snack anytime without the prep effort.
Freezing
These rounds freeze well for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated rounds in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again, usually about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli is actually preferred for optimal texture and flavor, just be sure to steam or boil it until tender and remove excess moisture before mixing.
What cheese works best for these rounds?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are ideal because they melt well and add rich, savory tones, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses as long as they’re shredded finely.
Are these rounds suitable for a keto diet?
Yes! With almond flour instead of breadcrumbs or traditional flour, these broccoli cheese rounds are low in carbs and fit well within keto and other low-carb diet plans.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely. Since this recipe uses almond flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How can I make these rounds crispier?
Ensure the broccoli is thoroughly drained and pressed to remove moisture, and bake them until golden and firm. Reheating in a toaster oven also helps bring back the crispiness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely love sharing this Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe because it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a delicious, comforting snack that anyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something healthy, filling, and packed with flavor without any fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to low-carb snack that keeps you coming back for more.
Print
Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 rounds
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds are a delicious and healthy snack option perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful treat while sticking to a low-carb diet. Made with fresh broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and almond flour, these rounds are baked to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunchy outside with a tender and cheesy interior.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheese Rounds Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes if fresh until tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water well to avoid sogginess.
- Chop Finely: Finely chop the cooked broccoli and place it in a large mixing bowl. Ensure all excess moisture is removed to maintain the desired texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder to the broccoli. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Rounds: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small rounds about 1-2 inches in diameter, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the rounds turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the rounds to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve warm as a tasty snack or appetizer. They pair well plain or with dips such as ranch or marinara sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the broccoli to prevent soggy rounds.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli; just adjust cooking and draining accordingly.
- These rounds can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or a blend can be substituted but will alter the flavor.
