Bennigan’s Broccoli Bites

These little fried nuggets are a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.

Bennigan’s Broccoli Bites are a delicious appetizer that combines the goodness of broccoli, cheese, and bacon into bite-sized treats. These crispy and flavorful bites are a popular menu item at Bennigan’s restaurants, loved by both adults and kids alike.

The recipe starts with frozen chopped broccoli, which is thawed and drained thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. The broccoli is then combined with beaten eggs, shredded Colby and Monterey jack cheeses, real bacon bits, diced yellow onion, and flour. This mixture is carefully blended together to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Once the mixture is well combined, it is refrigerated for about an hour. This step helps the mixture bind together, making it easier to shape into bite-sized balls. The balls are then coated in Italian breadcrumbs, adding a crispy outer layer that enhances the texture and taste.

To cook the Broccoli Bites, they are fried in hot oil until golden and crispy. This quick frying process ensures that the bites are cooked through while maintaining their crunchiness. After frying, the bites are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping them light and delicious.

To complement the savory flavor of the Broccoli Bites, Bennigan’s serves them with a delectable honey-mustard dipping sauce. The sauce combines sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Bennigan’s Broccoli Bites make for a great appetizer or snack, whether you’re dining at the restaurant or preparing them at home. They are a fantastic way to enjoy the nutritious benefits of broccoli in a tasty and satisfying form. So, grab a bite-sized broccoli treat, dip it in the honey-mustard sauce, and indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

FOR BROCCOLI BITES

• 2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
• 3 eggs, beaten
• ¾ cup shredded Colby cheese
• ¾ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 5 tablespoons real bacon bits
• 1 tablespoon diced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups oil, for frying
• Italian breadcrumbs, as needed

FOR HONEY- MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE 

• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR BROCCOLI BITES

1. Thaw and drain broccoli thoroughly by pressing through a strainer.
2. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl with a whisk until well blended.
3. Place the broccoli, eggs, cheeses, bacon bits, onion, and flour into a plastic container. Stir together with a spatula until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate mixture for about 1 hour. This will help to bind the mix, making preparation much easier.
4. Heat about 4 cups of oil in a fryer or deep pan to 350°F. Place the bread crumbs in a shallow pan.
5. Scoop a 1 tablespoon portion of the broccoli mixture into the bread crumbs. Form each portion into a ball and coat it well in the bread crumbs.
6. Place the broccoli bites into the fry basket or frying pan, making sure they do not stick together. Fry for 1 minute.
7. Remove and place onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

FOR HONEY- MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE 

1. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Blend thoroughly using a whisk.
2. Slowly pour in honey and lemon juice while continuing to mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Serve the broccoli bites with the honey-mustard dipping sauce.