Quick & Tasty Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe for Busy Nights

Savory baked broccoli cheese cups redefine simple ingredients into crave-worthy morsels that tantalize hungry taste buds.

Small yet mighty, these delectable bites pack robust flavor into compact vessels.

Crisp tortilla shells cradle a molten mixture of verdant vegetables and rich, melted cheese.

Handcrafted with minimal effort, they surprise and delight guests with unexpected textures and harmonious taste profiles.

Each morsel promises a delightful balance between creamy smoothness and delicate crunch.

Your gathering will sparkle with these irresistible miniature treasures that elevate casual dining.

Why You’ll Love Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups From First Bite

• Craft Customizable Comfort: These broccoli cheese cups offer endless personalization possibilities, letting home cooks swap ingredients and create unique flavor combinations with ease.
• Speedy Gourmet Experience: Whip up an impressive appetizer in under 45 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into restaurant-quality bites that look and taste sophisticated.
• Textural Delight Sensation: Enjoy a perfect balance of crispy tortilla edges, creamy cheese sauce, and tender broccoli chunks that provide a satisfying multi-layered mouthfeel with every bite.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Snack: Pack in essential nutrients from broccoli while indulging in a cheesy treat that delivers protein, fiber, and calcium without excessive calories or guilt.

Everything You Need for Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Tortillas: Soft, pliable base that creates crispy cups for the filling. Choose fresh, medium-sized tortillas for best results.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture. Look for bright green, firm florets without yellow spots.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides rich flavor and creamy texture. Select good quality block cheese for better melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and nutty complexity to the cheese sauce. Freshly grated gives the best flavor.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that creates smooth sauce base. Whole milk recommended for richness.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps develop sauce consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth. Choose fresh, firm produce without soft spots.
• Red Pepper: Adds subtle heat and color. Fresh or dried both work well.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.

Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and aids in tortilla preparation. Non-stick spray ensures easy removal of cups.

Mustard: Provides tangy undertone that complements cheese sauce. Dijon works best for subtle sharpness.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups Easily

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Grease of a muffin pan with butter. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Transform Tortillas

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Lightly spray tortillas with non-stick cooking spray on both sides. Cook each tortilla for 30-60 seconds per side. Allow to cool, then slice into 4 triangular pieces.

Step 3: Create Tortilla Cups

Carefully arrange 3 tortilla triangles in each muffin cup, pressing them to cover the bottom and sides. Repeat for all .

Step 4: Develop Flavor Base

• Olive oil
• Butter

• Onion
• Garlic
• Red pepper

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Build Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Incorporate Broccoli

Remove from heat and fold in chopped, cooked broccoli.

Step 7: Fill and Bake Cups

Ladle the broccoli-cheese mixture into tortilla cups, filling almost to the top. Bake for 18 minutes.

Step 8: Release and Rest

Allow cups to set for 10 minutes. Carefully run a paring knife around the edges and gently lift each cup out by the tortilla edges.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Plate the cups warm and enjoy as a delightful appetizer or snack!

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Crisp Tortilla Technique: Toast tortillas lightly to prevent soggy bottoms and create a sturdy, crispy cup base that holds the cheesy filling perfectly.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese fresh and add gradually to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating during cooking.
• Veggie Prep Pro: Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and easy distribution throughout the cheese sauce.
• Pan Protection: Use non-stick spray generously or butter muffin cups thoroughly to guarantee easy removal of delicate tortilla cups.
• Resting Ritual: Allow cups to cool for exactly 10 minutes before removing, which helps them set and prevents potential crumbling when lifting from the pan.

Smart Storage and Reheating for Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli cheese cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Carefully stack the cups, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating in Oven: Restore crispy tortilla edges by warming cups in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Place cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Watch carefully to avoid burning the tortilla edges.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, microwave individual cups for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Let stand for 15 seconds after heating to allow even temperature distribution.

Best Pairings for Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy cheese sauce, balancing the rich flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Zesty Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity that enhances the broccoli cheese cups' creamy texture.
• Match with Sparkling Beverage: Serve alongside a cold craft beer or sparkling water with lime to cleanse the palate and add a light, effervescent touch to this cheesy appetizer.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top to add a fresh, green note that lifts the entire dish and provides a subtle herbal complexity.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Southwest Cups: Replace red pepper with diced jalapeños and add a pinch of chili powder to the cheese sauce. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Veggie Cups: Swap broccoli for roasted zucchini and spinach. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano to the sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor.
• Bacon and Herb Cups: Crisp chopped bacon and mix into the cheese sauce. Garnish with fresh chives or thyme leaves for an aromatic touch. Substitute half the cheddar with smoked gouda for deeper richness.
• Mushroom Swiss Cups: Replace broccoli with sautéed wild mushrooms. Use swiss cheese instead of cheddar and add a splash of white wine to the sauce for complexity.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Baked Broccoli Cheese Cups bring creamy comfort straight from your kitchen. Crisp pastry shells cradle tender broccoli and melted cheese, creating an irresistible appetizer that will make you crave more with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (280 grams) cooked broccoli (chopped)
• 1⅓ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8–9 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons diced onion
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and black pepper

Preparation Ingredients:

• Butter (for greasing)
• Non-stick spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly coat 8 muffin cups with unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Warm a skillet over medium heat and lightly mist each tortilla with non-stick cooking spray. Toast each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side until slightly crisp and pliable.
3. Cut the toasted tortillas into 4 equal triangular sections and carefully line each muffin cup, gently pressing the triangles to create cup-like shells that cover the bottom and sides.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt olive oil and butter together over medium-low temperature. Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced red pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, continuously stirring to create a smooth roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in whole milk and Dijon mustard, increasing heat to medium-high and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue stirring for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese incrementally, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Fold in pre-cooked, finely chopped broccoli florets until evenly distributed throughout the creamy cheese sauce.
9. Carefully ladle the broccoli-cheese mixture into the prepared tortilla cups, filling them approximately 3/4 full to prevent overflow during baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges of the tortilla cups turn golden brown and the filling is heated through.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cups to rest for 8-10 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier.
12. Use a sharp paring knife to gently loosen the edges, then carefully lift each cup out by its tortilla rim. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or light meal.

Notes

• Keep extra tortillas on hand for crispy edges and perfect cup formation.
• Grate cheese while it’s cold for smoother melting and easier handling.
• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
• Mustard adds a subtle tangy depth that enhances the cheese sauce’s richness.
• Let muffin pan cool slightly before removing cups to maintain structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg