Broccoli Cheese Bread

There’s no better combo than broccoli and cheese and if you’re a fan of them both, you’ll love them merged into this cheesy bread. They’re soft textured with slightly crisp edges, perfect for little ones to eat. They’re great dipped into your favorite marinara sauce, or served on their own!

If you have some extra broccoli that you’d like to incorporate into other recipes, be sure to try out these fluffy broccoli tots, flaky broccoli and cheese pinwheels, or this master list of broccoli recipes for babies and toddlers!

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need to make this broccoli cheese bread:

• Broccoli: The main ingredient for this bread. I steamed the broccoli in the microwave, but you can also steam it on the stove or boil it.
• Egg: Used as a binder to help the bread hold its shape.
• Shredded Cheese: Used to add flavor to these veggie tots. I used Mozzarella cheese, but you may use any type of cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: For added flavor and taste.
• Garlic Powder/Italian Seasoning:  For added flavor.
• Salt: Optional ingredient for a little added flavor.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Substitutions & Additions

• Broccoli: The broccoli may be replaced with equal parts cauliflower. You may also like this recipe for air-fryer cauliflower tots!
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to set and thicken.
• Cheese: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese for dairy-free shredded cheese. You may swap the parmesan cheese with 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Steam the broccoli in the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, according to package instructions, or until the broccoli is soft and fork-tender (Image 1). You may also boil the broccoli in a small pot of boiling water for 3 minutes.

STEP 2: Drain any excess liquid and use a pair of kitchen scissors or a knife to finely chop into small pieces (Image 2). You may also use a food processor to ensure that the broccoli bits are small.

STEP 3: Add 3/4 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt (if using) to the bowl with the broccoli (Image 3). Mix until well combined (Image 4).

STEP 4: Line a 9 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the mixture into the baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out into a flat, even layer, pressing down well to ensure that the top is smooth (Image 5).

STEP 5: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until dry to the touch (Image 6), then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella evenly on top. (Image 7).

STEP 6: Place the pan back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese fully melts. For golden brown cheese, set the oven to broil and broil for 1 additional minute (keeping a very close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn) (Image 8). Let cool and slice into pieces to serve.