KETO BROCCOLI CHEESE BITES

Keto Broccoli Cheese Bites image

These keto-friendly bites are filled with vegetables and protein thanks to an abundance of broccoli and almond flour, but they are straight-up indulgent when served with ranch dipping sauce that is also keto-friendly. We keep the cayenne optional here but be sure to include it if you want the bites to have a little kick.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield about 28 bites and 1 cup dressing

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

2 medium broccoli crowns (about 12 ounces), cut into medium florets and any excess stalks sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 4 heaping cups)
2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
1 small scallion, thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup almond flour (about 3 ounces)
1 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar (about 3 1/2 ounces)
Nonstick extra-virgin olive oil cooking spray
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup keto-friendly mayonnaise
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

Steps:

Put the broccoli, garlic and 1/4 cup water into a medium heat-safe glass bowl. Wet a paper towel and lay over the broccoli. Microwave until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes, depending on your microwave. Carefully remove the paper towel, transfer the mixture to a food processor (leaving any water behind in the bowl) and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Clean out the glass bowl and set aside.
Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
Add the scallion and parsley to the food processor. Pulse until the broccoli mixture is finely chopped and similar to the texture of rice. Transfer to the reserved bowl along with the whole egg, egg yolk, cayenne (if using), paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, a couple grinds of black pepper, almond flour and 3/4 cup of the Cheddar. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart, for about 28 total. Lightly wet your hands, then roll each mound into a round ball, re-wetting your hands as needed. This helps keep your hands from becoming sticky and makes rolling the mix much easier to do. Spray the balls with the cooking spray and sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1 cup Cheddar, pressing it gently onto the tops to help it adhere.
Bake in the oven until the bites are light golden brown and cooked through, about 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet once halfway through the cooking time.
Meanwhile, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, a large pinch salt, several grinds of black pepper, dill and parsley in a small bowl. Whisk to combine and season with more salt and pepper as desired.
Transfer the broccoli cheese bites to a platter and serve the ranch dipping sauce alongside.