Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds

There’s something instantly comforting about the warm, cheesy scent of baking cheddar that drifts through the kitchen—nostalgic, savory, and a little indulgent. Combine that with the bright, green freshness of chopped broccoli and you have a bite that crunches at the edge, melts in the center, and leaves a faint garlicky finish. These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds deliver all that in a small, poppable package: crispy golden edges, soft cheesy interiors and just enough broccoli texture to keep every bite interesting.

They’re perfect for weekday breakfasts when you want something quick and cozy, for game-day nibbling, as a kid-friendly vegetable upgrade, or for holiday appetizer spreads when guests expect comfort with a lighter twist. Make a batch for easy meal prep or to take to gatherings—these rounds travel well and disappear fast.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 8 (about 24 rounds; 3 rounds per serving)
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (3 rounds), calculated from standard ingredient values and cross-checked with USDA FoodData Central and general guidance from health authorities like the Mayo Clinic and CDC for perishable-food handling. These numbers are approximate and will vary slightly depending on exact product brands and portion sizes.

Calories: ~123 kcal
Protein: ~7.2 g
Total Carbohydrates: ~3.2 g
Dietary Fiber: ~1.3 g
Net Carbs: ~1.8 g (Total carbs minus fiber)
Fat: ~9.5 g
Sodium: variable depending on added salt and cheese (moderate)

Notes: Nutrition was estimated using USDA FoodData Central values for broccoli, cheddar cheese, almond flour, and eggs. If you need exact values for medical or strict dietary purposes, weigh your specific ingredients and run them through a nutritional calculator or app.

Why You’ll Love It

Irresistible taste and texture: salty, nutty cheddar with the fresh snap of broccoli — crunchy edges and a tender center.
Health-forward: low in net carbs and naturally gluten-free when made with almond flour. A great way to enjoy a vegetable-forward snack without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: serve them as a quick breakfast, party appetizer, or a lunchbox add-in. They’re easy to scale and adapt for dietary needs.
Comfort with purpose: familiar cheesy comfort that helps you sneak extra vegetables into your day.

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Preparation Guide

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (about 180–200 g)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 113 g) — sharp cheddar gives great flavor
1/2 cup almond flour (about 56 g)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon salt)
Olive oil spray or a light brush of olive oil for the tops

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Use 1 cup mixed shredded cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) for a milder stretchiness.
Substitute almond flour with 1/2 cup finely ground pork rinds for a higher-protein, zero-carb option.
For a lower-fat version, reduce cheese to 3/4 cup and add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for flavor.
Add finely minced jalapeño or 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper for extra flavor and color.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, almond flour, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined — use a spatula or your hands to ensure the almond flour and eggs coat the broccoli and cheese evenly.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly into rounds. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to promote browning.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the rounds are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Rotate the pan halfway through for even color.
Let them cool slightly on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack or serving plate.

Practical tips

Squeeze excess moisture: if your broccoli seems watery after chopping, press it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove surplus liquid so the rounds bind better.
Don’t overmix: overworking the mixture can make the rounds dense. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Check doneness by color and texture: golden edges and a firm center indicate they’re ready. If the center looks too wet, give them a couple extra minutes.
Make them uniform: use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for consistent sizes and even baking.

Best Pairings

Plain as a warm snack or with a pat of butter for extra richness.
Dipping sauces: keto-friendly ranch, sugar-free marinara, garlic aioli, or sour cream with chives.
Breakfast plate: alongside scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and smoked salmon.
Party tray: serve with cold cuts, olives, and pickles for an easy appetizer spread.
Beverage pairings: a bright iced tea or a light, citrusy white wine balances the richness.

Storing Leftovers

Room temperature: Because these contain eggs and cheese, do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours (CDC guidance).
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer for best texture (3–5 minutes) to re-crisp edges.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Chef’s Advice

Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melt and less anti-caking agents; it gives a creamier interior.
Pulse the broccoli in a food processor for even fine texture but avoid pureeing — you want small pieces, not paste.
For extra crispness, finish under the broiler for 30–60 seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.
If mixture isn’t holding together, add an extra tablespoon of almond flour or one more egg to help bind.
To keep rounds uniform, flatten them to consistent thickness — about 1/2 inch — so the center cooks through without burning the edges.

Creative Twists

Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar: fold in 1–2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Mediterranean Herb: swap half the cheddar for crumbled feta and add 1 tablespoon chopped dill and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
Bacon & Chive: add 3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon plus 2 tablespoons chopped chives for a smoky, savory bite.
Vegan-ish version: replace eggs with a flax egg (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, chilled until gelled) and use a high-quality vegan shredded cheese. Note: texture will differ and may require a binder tweak (add 1–2 tbsp chickpea flour).
Cauliflower swap: use riced cauliflower instead of broccoli for a milder flavor — press out extra moisture before mixing.

Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make these without almond flour?
A: Yes — try 1/2 cup finely ground pork rinds, coconut flour (start with 2–3 tablespoons; it absorbs more moisture), or 1/2 cup finely ground gluten-free breadcrumbs if not strictly low-carb.

Q: Why did my rounds fall apart?
A: Most common causes are excess moisture in the broccoli or not enough binder. Make sure to squeeze out liquid from chopped broccoli and consider adding one more egg or a tablespoon of almond flour.

Q: Can I bake these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp just before serving.

Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: Yes — with net carbs around 1–2 g per serving (depending on exact ingredients and portions), these fit well into most ketogenic meal plans.

Q: How can I make them crispier?
A: Press flatter, use a light olive oil spray on top, and finish under the broiler for a brief moment. An air fryer also gives excellent crisping results.

Conclusion

These Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds are a small, satisfying bite that blends comfort and nutrition—easy to prepare, versatile in service, and friendly to low-carb lifestyles. Try a batch this week, experiment with one of the creative twists, and share your photos and tips with the community.

For a similar take with extra crisping techniques, check out this helpful recipe inspiration at Low Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds – Instrupix, and for a different flavor angle and step-by-step photos, see Broccoli Cheese Bites (Keto | Low Carb) – Simply So Healthy.

If you try them, leave a comment with any twists you loved—I’d love to hear how you made them your own.