30-Minute Deep-Fried Broccoli Cheese Bites
Golden, crispy fritters packed with fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and colorful pimientos in a tender sour cream batter. These bite-sized appetizers deliver a satisfying contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior with a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. Perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or as a fun side dish that transforms everyday vegetables into an irresistible treat. The sour cream creates an exceptionally moist batter that stays tender even after frying.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil for deep frying
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 2 cups baking mixall-purpose flour + baking powder2 cups flour + 2 tsp baking powdergluten-freeadds gluten
Use gluten-free flour blend
- 1 container (8 oz) sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 4 oz
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 jar (2 oz) diced pimientos, drained
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in deep fat fryer or heavy saucepan to 375°F
- 2
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat and cook onion until tender
- 3
Stir baking mix, sour cream and eggs in large bowl until blended
- 4
Stir in cooked onion, cheese, broccoli, red pepper, salt and pimientos
- 5
Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil
- 6
Fry until golden brown, turning several times
- 7
Drain on paper towels and serve hot
Tips
Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for even browning and to prevent greasy bites
Don't overcrowd the fryer - work in batches to maintain oil temperature
Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the short fry time
Good to Know
Best served immediately while hot and crispy
Batter can be prepared 2 hours ahead and refrigerated
Serve immediately while hot with ranch dressing or marinara sauce
Common Mistakes
Keep oil at proper temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked bites
Don't overmix batter to prevent tough texture
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
Use gluten-free flour blend
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, drop onto greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden, though texture will be less crispy than fried version.
How long do these keep?
Best eaten immediately while hot and crispy. Leftovers can be refrigerated 2 days and reheated in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Can I freeze the batter or cooked bites?
Cooked bites can be frozen up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.