Name: Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and chopped broccoli; 1 large egg; 12 Ritz crackers, crushed; 1 heaping cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 36 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a snack or appetizer that’s both comforting and packed with veggies, you’re going to absolutely love this Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe. These little bites are cheesy, crunchy, and satisfyingly flavorful — and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re craving something for a party, a quick lunchbox addition, or a delightful side, this recipe nails it every time. Stick with me — I’ll share all my tips for perfect, golden, cheesy broccoli cups.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet flavorful: The combo of broccoli, creamy cheddar, and buttery Ritz crackers creates a crowd-pleasing flavor without fancy ingredients.
Perfect texture balance: Crispy edges meet soft cheesy centers for a delightful bite every time.
Versatile & quick: Minimal prep and freezer-friendly options make these cups weeknight heroes or party starters.
Kid-friendly veggies: Even picky eaters often can’t resist these cheesy broccoli bites.

Broccoli Cheese Cups, cheesy broccoli appetizer, easy broccoli snack, baked broccoli bites, healthy cheese appetizer - Nine small baked egg muffins sit in a dark gray metal muffin tray. Each muffin has a top layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese with a slightly crispy edge. Beneath the cheese, bits of green broccoli peek through the smooth, cooked egg layer, giving a mix of yellow and green colors. The muffins fill the cavities fully, showing a soft but firm texture with some uneven, natural surfaces. The muffin tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe plays a key role, working harmoniously to give you that perfect bite. From the creamy cheddar to the crunchy crackers, here’s what to look for when gathering your ingredients — trust me, these tips make a noticeable difference.

Broccoli Cheese Cups, cheesy broccoli appetizer, easy broccoli snack, baked broccoli bites, healthy cheese appetizer - Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, one large whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl containing finely crushed Ritz crackers, and a small white bowl with garlic powder and salt side by side, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked broccoli: I usually go for frozen steamed broccoli — it’s convenient and consistently tender, but fresh steamed chopped broccoli works just as well.
Egg: This binds everything, but don’t worry, it won’t overpower – just enough to hold the cups together.
Ritz crackers: These crushed crackers add a buttery crispness that’s signature to the recipe. Crushing them finely is key to avoid a gritty texture.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work; I personally prefer sharp because it adds a deeper flavor punch.
Garlic powder: Just a hint enhances the savory notes without stealing the show.
Salt: A little salt balances the flavors, though keep it light since Ritz crackers already bring some saltiness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to add some extra zing or make it more wholesome, there’s plenty of ways to personalize these cups so they always hit your preferred flavor notes.

Variation: Sometimes I throw in a pinch of onion powder or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor — it’s a crowd-pleaser! And if you want these to lean breakfast-friendly, adding an extra egg gives more of a quiche-like texture.
Make it gluten-free: Swap the crushed Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers — still tasty and just as crisp.
You want more veggies: Finely chopped spinach or grated carrots mix nicely into the batter without overpowering the broccoli flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep your broccoli and crackers

First things first, make sure your broccoli is cooked until tender but not mushy, then chop it finely — this helps the texture blend smoothly in the cups. For the crackers, aim for a fine crumb by pulsing them in a food processor or crushing them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. This step is crucial because large chunks won’t bind as well and can make the cups fall apart.

Step 2: Mix it all together

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, egg, crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt. I like to mix with a spoon first, then use my hands to knead it gently to make sure everything is evenly incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture feels a bit dry — that’s exactly what you want for crispy cups. If you prefer more soft and custardy, add an extra egg here.

Step 3: Press into muffin tin & cheese topping

Generously grease your mini muffin tin — I use butter or non-stick spray — then fill each cup evenly with the mixture. Use your fingers to firmly press and compact the mixture down, which helps them hold their shape and crisp up beautifully. For a little extra cheesy crunch, sprinkle some more shredded cheddar on top of each cup, or even add a pinch of cheese at the bottom before adding the mixture for a crispy cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Bake at 375°F on the center oven rack for 14 to 16 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting around 13 minutes — the cups are ready when the edges are golden and the cheese topping has started to brown slightly. I like to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots. Let the cups cool for at least 5 minutes before popping them out — this lets them firm up so they don’t crumble when you serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe

Dry mixture is good: Don’t be tempted to add extra moisture; a drier mix crisps better and reduces sogginess.
Use a mini muffin tin: It keeps portions bite-sized and makes serving easier at parties or lunches.
Compact with your fingers: Firmly pressing the cups helps the mixture stick together and hold shape.
Add cheese at the bottom for crunch: A little cheese under the mixture creates a delightful crispy “cup” base I swear by.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Cups, cheesy broccoli appetizer, easy broccoli snack, baked broccoli bites, healthy cheese appetizer - The image shows five round broccoli and cheese bites placed on crumpled white parchment paper over a wooden surface. Each bite has a textured top layer with golden yellow melted cheese mixed with small green broccoli florets. The cheese layer looks slightly crispy with an uneven, bubbly surface. The broccoli adds vibrant green color that contrasts with the yellow cheese, and you can see bits of soft broccoli peeking out from the sides of each bite. There are fresh green herb sprigs at the bottom left corner near the bites, adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top — it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I also dust a tiny bit of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick. A dollop of ranch or a little ketchup on the side makes these cups even more irresistible, especially if serving to kids.

Side Dishes

They pair perfectly with a crisp mixed green salad, tomato soup, or even alongside roasted chicken for a satisfying meal. For a fun party spread, place these broccoli cheese cups on a platter with a variety of dips like honey mustard, spicy mayo, or your faves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve filled festive cupcake wrappers with these broccoli cheese cups and topped them with mini cherry tomato “cherry” on top for a cute touch. They also look great stacked on a tiered serving tray with colorful dipping sauces in small bowls. Kids love picking them up from a fun platter during game days or movie nights too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover broccoli cheese cups in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 3 days. When packed well, they keep their texture surprisingly well — just avoid stacking to keep the crispy edges intact.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch ahead, I freeze these cups individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly without losing that crispy exterior.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the edges — I usually re-crisp in a hot pan afterward if I must.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for this Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully. Just steam or boil it until tender, drain very well to remove excess moisture, and chop finely before mixing it into the batter.
How do I make these cups gluten-free?

Simply swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will remain crisp, and the flavor will still shine through.
Can I make Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. These cups also freeze well after baking, so making batches ahead is perfect for meal prep.
What if my mixture feels too dry or crumbly?

If it feels dry, you can try adding an extra beaten egg to help bind it more. However, keep in mind the drier mix gives a crispier texture, so it’s a balance depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe is one of those unexpected winners in my kitchen — simple ingredients, a dash of patience with baking, and you’ve got a versatile, crave-worthy snack or side. I think you’ll especially enjoy how easily it fits into busy weekdays or festive gatherings. Give it a try soon and see for yourself why I keep coming back to this recipe — trust me, your fridge and taste buds will thank you!