Crispy Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe: Cheesy Bites for Any Day

Crispy edges and gooey centers make these baked broccoli cheese cups a delightful snack that’ll steal the show at any gathering.

Packed with vibrant green broccoli and melted cheese, these little bites burst with flavor in every mouthful.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

Nutritious vegetables meet creamy cheese in a handheld format that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Each cup delivers a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich, cheesy goodness.

Serve these as an appetizer, side dish, or quick lunch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

These miniature cheese cups are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy broccoli.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 9

Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups Ingredient List

• Butter: Ensures easy removal and adds rich, smooth flavor to the cups.
• Non-stick Spray: Creates additional barrier to prevent sticking.
• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Provides crispy, golden base for the cups.
• Olive Oil: Helps in sautéing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone to the overall taste.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Introduces smoky, slightly tangy dimension.
• Dijon Mustard: Delivers sharp, zesty kick to enhance cheese sauce.

• Whole Milk: Creates smooth, rich sauce base.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity to the mixture.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Balances and elevates all other ingredients.
• Broccoli: Introduces nutritious, vibrant green element with earthy undertones.

Kitchen Tools for Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard size, essential for creating the cup shapes.
• Frying Pan: Medium-sized, used for toasting tortillas evenly.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for making creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key for smoothly blending sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping broccoli and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients precisely.
• Paring Knife: Helpful for removing cups from muffin pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.

Steps to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Muffin Pan Prep

Create a buttery base for your culinary adventure by generously coating 8 muffin cups. Fire up the oven to a toasty 400°F.

• Tortilla Transformation

Craft crispy tortilla shells by gently warming them in a pan, turning them golden and pliable. Cut each tortilla into four playful triangles.

• Cup Construction

Nestle the tortilla triangles into each muffin cup, crafting little edible vessels that will cradle your cheesy broccoli goodness.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions, garlic, and red pepper in a dance of olive oil and butter. Sprinkle flour to create a silky base for your creamy sauce.

• Cheese Symphony

Whisk milk into your veggie mixture, building a luxurious sauce. Fold in sharp cheddar and Parmesan, creating a melty masterpiece that hugs each broccoli morsel.

• Broccoli Embrace

Mix tender broccoli pieces into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

• Baking Magic

Ladle the broccoli-cheese mixture into your tortilla cups. Slide into the oven and bake until the edges turn crisp and golden.

• Serving Celebration

Carefully release these delectable cups from the pan. Let them cool briefly, then present your culinary creation to eager taste buds.

Ideas for Making Broccoli Cheese Cups Extra Flavorful

• Use different types of tortillas like whole wheat, spinach, or corn for unique flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Experiment with other cheese varieties such as Gruyère, Swiss, or goat cheese to create exciting taste combinations that surprise your taste buds.
• Swap broccoli with roasted cauliflower, sautéed spinach, or diced bell peppers to keep the recipe flexible and interesting for different preferences.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• Prepare the tortilla cups and cheese sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the perfect crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these broccoli cheese cups on a colorful wooden board with fresh herb garnishes for an eye-catching appetizer spread that will wow your guests.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pair these cups with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to create a balanced, satisfying midday meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve these crispy tortilla cups alongside spicy salsa, cool sour cream, or zesty guacamole for a crowd-pleasing snack that elevates your sports watching experience.
• Brunch Brilliance: Complement these cheesy broccoli cups with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing mimosa for an elegant weekend brunch that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

How to Store Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up multiple batches in one go, storing extras in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weeks.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Sealed containers keep these cheese cups fresh for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy tortilla edges and melty cheese goodness.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual cups in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.
• Smart Snack Portioning: Pack these cups in lunch boxes with a small side salad or fresh veggies. They're perfect for work, school, or afternoon energy boosts, maintaining their delightful texture when gently reheated.

Crispy Broccoli Cheese Cups

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade baked broccoli cheese cups offer a delightful twist on vegetable side dishes. Crisp edges and creamy centers make these individual portions perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 clove minced garlic
• 10 oz (280 g) cooked broccoli (chopped)
• 1⅓ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsps diced onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 8–9 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• Butter (for greasing)
• Non-stick spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and meticulously grease 8 muffin cups with unsalted butter to ensure seamless release.
2. Tortilla Transformation: Lightly spray tortillas with non-stick cooking spray and toast in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and flexible, about 30-45 seconds per side. Slice each tortilla into four triangular segments.
3. Cup Construction: Carefully line muffin cups with tortilla triangles, pressing gently to create sturdy shell-like structures that cover bottom and sides completely.
4. Vegetable Sauté: In a saucepan, combine olive oil and butter, then introduce onions, garlic, and red pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
5. Roux Development: Dust vegetables with all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base.
6. Sauce Creation: Whisk in whole milk and Dijon mustard, elevating heat to medium-high and simmering for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens elegantly.
7. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat, gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted seamlessly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
8. Broccoli Incorporation: Gently mix pre-cooked broccoli florets into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution.
9. Filling and Baking: Ladle broccoli-cheese mixture into tortilla cups, filling approximately 3/4 full. Bake for 16-18 minutes until tortilla edges turn golden and filling is thoroughly heated.
10. Finishing Touch: Allow cups to rest for 8-10 minutes to set. Carefully loosen edges with a paring knife and extract cups, serving warm as an enticing appetizer or light entrée.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use a non-stick muffin tin or generously butter the pan to guarantee easy removal of delicate broccoli cheese cups.
• Tortilla Tip: Choose soft, thin tortillas that crisp easily and mold smoothly into cup shapes without cracking or breaking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gradually to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
• Temperature Control: Allow cups to rest after baking to stabilize structure and enhance flavor, preventing immediate crumbling when serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg