Weekends have a way of changing the term "snacking". Suddenly, it’s not about those quick bites in between meetings, but about slow munching, while watching a movie, talking with family, or just enjoying it while scrolling through your phone and doing nothing. If you are also looking for something similar, then that "healthy-looking" broccoli can surprise you. Often overlooked for indulgent eating, broccoli can actually turn into an amazing snacking option when used correctly. Crisp it, mash it, coat it, or melt cheese over it, and you will be amazed to see how pleasing it turns out to be.
These broccoli snacks are crispy from the outside, soft from within, filled with flavour, and easy enough to make without planning the entire day around it. Whether you are looking for something fried, baked, or simply chaat-style, these broccoli snacks can fit perfectly on a relaxed weekend where cooking feels joyful and not rushed.
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Pops
These are comfort foods hidden as greens. Finely chop the broccoli and mix it with mashed potatoes, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and mild spices, then shape into bite-sized pops. Shallow-fry or air-fry as per preference until they turn golden. The outside is crisp, whereas the inside remains soft and cheesy. They taste like snacks you would order with a fizzy drink. Serve with a mayo-mustard dip, mint chutney or ketchup for a crispy evening snack.
Broccoli Pakora
This is a desi glow-up to broccoli. Small florets of broccoli are lightly blanched, then dipped in a besan batter spiced with ajwain, ginger, basic spices and a pinch of red chilli. Fry until crispy. The broccoli remains soft from within, whereas the besan coating adds to the crunch. These pakoras taste best when enjoyed hot, straight off the kadhai and paired with green chutney over a cup of chai. The taste is familiar, pleasant, and perfect for lazy weekends when munching on snacks feels non-negotiable.
Cheesy Broccoli Toast Bites
This is a quick-fix snack when hungerpangs strike without any warning. To finely chop some broccoli and sauté it lightly with butter, garlic, and pepper. Mix it with some grated cheese and spread it nicely over bread slices. Toast the bread slice in a pan or oven until the top bubbles and turns brown. Cut it into small squares for a mess-free eating. Cheesy broccoli bites are crunchy, creamy, and savoury, and great to munch on while watching a movie or when friends come over unannounced. They are indulgent without requiring any elaborate prep or deep frying, making them healthy too.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Broccoli Tikki With Mint Yoghurt Dip
Mash the boiled broccoli with boiled potatoes, green chillies, coriander, and a hint of garam masala, then shape into shallow tikkis. Pan-fry it until it turns crisp on both sides. The flavour is soft, herby, and enjoyable, having a soft centre and crispy crust. Pair it with a quick dip prepared from yoghurt, mint, and lemon juice. These broccoli tikkis are perfect when you want a snack that feels homemade and is also filling that you can enjoy while chatting or binge-watching.
Roasted Broccoli Chaat Cups
It is a perfect weekend appetiser, when you want something snacky but also not heavy. Toss some broccoli florets with oil, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes, then roast them until slightly charred and crisp from the edges. Chop and toss with some onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, chaat masala, and a drizzle of green chutney from the top. Serve it in small bowls or cups. The taste is tangy, smoky, and fresh, perfect for munching.
(Image credit: Freepik)