Easy Broccoli Cheese Cups

This broccoli cheese cups recipe transforms humble ingredients into the perfect bite-sized snack that everyone will love. The combination of tender broccoli and melty cheese creates irresistible savory bites that work beautifully as appetizers, lunchbox additions, or party finger foods.

I created these during a particularly hectic week when I needed something my picky eaters would actually eat. Now these little cups are requested at every family gathering and disappear faster than any other appetizer on the table.

Ingredients

• Cooked chopped broccoli: ensures the perfect tender texture without watery results
• Egg: acts as the essential binder that holds everything together
• Crushed Ritz crackers: provide buttery flavor and perfect structure
• Cheddar cheese: brings rich flavor look for sharp varieties for more depth
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate broccoli
• Salt: enhances all the flavors choose kosher salt for better distribution

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Heat your oven to 375°F with the rack positioned in the center. This moderate temperature allows the cups to cook through properly while developing a golden crust.

Mix ingredients thoroughly:

Combine the chopped broccoli, egg, crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until every ingredient is evenly distributed to ensure consistent flavor in each bite. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Fill the muffin tin:

Generously grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Distribute the mixture evenly among 16 cups, filling each almost to the top. The generous greasing is crucial for easy removal later.

Compact the mixture:

Press the mixture firmly into each cup using your fingertips. This compression is vital for the cups to hold their shape after baking and creates a denser, more satisfying texture.

Add cheese topping and bake:

Sprinkle additional cheese on top of each cup before placing the tin in the oven. Bake for 14-16 minutes, watching for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown at the edges.

Cool before serving:

Allow the cups to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before attempting to remove them. This cooling period helps them set properly and release cleanly from the tin.

The crushed Ritz crackers are truly the secret ingredient here. I once tried substituting breadcrumbs when I ran out, and while the recipe still worked, the signature buttery flavor was noticeably missing. My daughter immediately noticed the difference and requested I never skip the Ritz again.

Make-Ahead Magic

These broccoli cheese cups shine as a make-ahead option. You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply fill the muffin cups and bake. Alternatively, bake them completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these versatile cups alongside a hearty soup for a complete meal, or offer them as part of a party spread with complementary dipping sauces. My family enjoys them with ranch dressing, but a spicy sriracha mayo or honey mustard also works beautifully. For a full meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Ingredient Swaps

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can customize these cups to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Try substituting cauliflower for broccoli, pepper jack for cheddar to add some heat, or add finely diced ham for a more substantial bite. Gluten-free crackers work perfectly for those with dietary restrictions, and nutritional yeast can replace some of the cheese for a dairy-reduced version that still delivers savory flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping and using in the mix.

→ Can I substitute Ritz crackers with something else?

Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs or any other crushed crackers as a substitute for Ritz crackers.

→ How do I store leftover broccoli cheese cups?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini one?

Yes, but the baking time may need to be slightly increased. Make sure to compact the mixture well so it holds together.

→ Are there any dipping sauces that pair well?

Ranch dressing, ketchup, or a mild cheese sauce are great options for dipping.