Name: Cheesy Broccoli 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 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 31 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love quick, cheesy bites that pack a veggie punch, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe. These little gems come together fast, bake up crispy and cheesy on the outside, tender on the inside, and they’re perfect for snacks, breakfasts, or party appetizers. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to whenever you want something tasty and a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Using just a handful of pantry staples makes it easy and budget-friendly.
Perfect Texture: The crushed Ritz crackers keep these cups crispy without getting soggy.
Versatile Flavor: Mildly cheesy with garlic and salt, but easy to customize to your liking.
Kid-Approved: I’ve made these many times for my kids’ lunches and they never last past snack time!

Cheesy Broccoli Cups, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snack ideas, quick veggie snacks, savory appetizer recipes - 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

This Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe relies on ingredients that come together beautifully to create a great balance of flavor and texture — the broccoli adds freshness and nutrients, while the cheddar cheese brings that melty richness we all crave. The Ritz crackers? They’re the secret for a crispy, tasty base without the heaviness of bread crumbs.

Cheesy Broccoli Cups, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snack ideas, quick veggie snacks, savory appetizer recipes - 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 and chopped broccoli: I usually use frozen microwavable broccoli for convenience, just cook and chop before mixing.
Large egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together perfectly.
Ritz crackers (crushed): Adds a buttery crunch and a hint of saltiness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for that classic cheesy flavor; don’t be shy with extra cheese on top!
Garlic powder: Gives a mild kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors — but remember the crackers are salty too, so go easy.

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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 best parts about making this Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your style or mood. I love adding a dash of onion powder if I want a little extra depth, but sometimes I keep it classic and simple for the kids. You should totally experiment — it’s your kitchen after all!

Make it more quiche-like: I sometimes add a second egg and bake a little longer — it’s great for breakfast or brunch.
Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika kicks things up if you enjoy a little spice.
Vegan swap: Try using vegan cheese and a flax egg if you want to make these plant-based.
Extra mix-ins: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crispy bacon bits make them party-ready immediately.

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

Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients

First, I preheat my oven to 375°F—this is the sweet spot for getting that crispy top without drying out the cups. While it heats, I toss the cooked, chopped broccoli into a bowl with the crushed Ritz crackers, cheese, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want the cracker crumbs evenly distributed so every bite has that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Fill and Compact in the Mini Muffin Tin

Generously grease a mini muffin tin (I use butter or non-stick spray) so these don’t stick. Then, scoop the mixture into about 16 wells. A little trick I always use is pressing the mixture firmly down with my fingers—this compacts them so they hold their shape when baking and don’t crumble apart when you bite into them.

Step 3: Cheese It Up and Bake

After filling the cups, sprinkle extra cheddar on top because, well, more cheese = more happiness! Pop the tray in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 14-16 minutes or until you see the cheese starting to golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly — it’s a real treat!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Give the cups at least 5 minutes to cool—this helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart when you remove them. Then, serve as is or pair with ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping, especially if you’re sharing with kids.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe

Crush Your Crackers Well: Crushing the Ritz crackers finely ensures they blend seamlessly and help hold everything together.
Don’t Overdo the Egg: Using just one egg keeps these light — add more only if you want them cakier, but they might lose crispness.
Grease Generously: I always use more butter in the muffin tin wells to avoid sticking and actually sprinkle a little cheese on the bottom for extra crunch.
Cool Completely Before Removing: Pulling them out too soon makes them prone to falling apart—patience really pays off here.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Cups, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snack ideas, quick veggie snacks, savory appetizer recipes - 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 sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a fun kick for adult gatherings. Sometimes, a little grated Parmesan on top before baking takes the cheese factor through the roof — highly recommend trying it!

Side Dishes

These broccoli cups pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy lunch. When hosting brunch, I serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit — it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these on a wooden board with colorful dipping sauces — think ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli — with toothpicks stuck in each cup for easy grabbing. They also make adorable individual appetizers if you want to jazz up your buffet table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay fresh for about 3 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together or lose their delightful crispness.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. After baking, let the cups cool completely, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t clump together and you can take out just what you need later.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges crisp. Microwaving makes them soft and a little rubbery, which I try to avoid unless I’m in a real hurry.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh broccoli, just steam or blanch it first until it’s tender, then chop it finely. Make sure to drain any excess moisture really well so your cups don’t turn out soggy.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?

You can use crushed breadcrumbs or even crushed saltine crackers in a pinch. Just keep in mind that each brings a slightly different texture and saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then bake right before guests arrive for that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
Are these gluten-free?

They’re not gluten-free as written because of the Ritz crackers. However, if you swap the crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can easily make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Cheesy Broccoli Cups Recipe — it has been a staple in my kitchen for quick lunches, last-minute snacks, and even a playful way to get more greens on the table. I love how simple it is yet feels totally special every time I bake a batch. Give it a try, and I bet these cheesy little cups will soon become your new favorite, too. Let me know how you customize them — I’m always curious about new twists!