Description
Crisp on the outside, cheesy on the inside—these Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Sticks are a fun and nutritious twist on classic mozzarella sticks! Packed with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, gooey melted cheese, and coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer, these baked bites are perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe is a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your day. This step-by-step guide—complete with an easy-to-follow video tutorial—will show you how to make these crowd-pleasing cheese sticks with minimal effort. Watch the video, follow along, and get ready to enjoy a healthier, veggie-packed version of everyone’s favorite cheesy treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Sticks:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped or grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for extra flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Veggie Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Sticks:
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture at a time and shape it into a stick or log shape (about 3-4 inches long). Place the shaped sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Coat the Sticks:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with paprika (if using)
- Roll each stick in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it evenly with the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded sticks back on the baking sheet.
Bake:
- Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes , flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the cheese sticks cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
