Broccoli Bites

Broccoli Bites

After Easter, you may have some left over ham or you may want to make something to nibble on while cooking Easter dinner.  If so here is a recipe to use some of those small pieces of ham.

I am always looking for ways to use leftovers, so years ago during the pre-internet era and pre-copycat recipe searches I developed this recipe.  Most of the copycat recipes call for using fried bacon. I go a slightly different route, this recipe uses ham, if however you want to use bacon, you just need to make a couple of modifications.  Just be sure and to reduce the bacon to 1/2 cup and eliminate the salt.  This recipe is also a good way to utilize those broccoli stems that may have been left over, if you made another broccoli recipe such as broccoli and cheese.

The Ingredients

Broccoli Mixture

1 pound broccoli, fresh or frozen

3 large eggs

12 oz shredded cheddar cheese; I use 6 oz mild and 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded ham

2 green onions finely dices

1 tablespoon all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

The Ingredients, Breading

1 egg

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Approx 6 cups peanut oil

Mixing

If you are using frozen broccoli allow it to thaw and drain.

If you are using fresh broccoli, blanch in boiling water for 15 seconds the immediately chill in ice water to stop the cooking.  Then drain.

In the food processor process the broccoli until it is finely diced, most of the pieces should be 1/8 inch or smaller.  Remove the broccoli and place in a medium size, 1 ½ to 2 quart should be about the right size, bowl.   

Chop the ham into about ½ pieces, then process in the food processor, the ham should also be processed to 1/8 pieces or smaller.  After processing, add to the bowl with the broccoli and mix.

Process the eggs in the food processor for 15 seconds add the green onions and the flour while the food processor is mixing and process for another 15 seconds.

Add the egg mixture to the broccoli ham mix and thoroughly by hand or with a wooden spoon.

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, so that the mixture can firm.

Forming and frying

Put approximately 6 cup of peanut oil in a large saucepan, and heat to 375°.  

In a small bowl whisk, the egg so that it is well blended.

In another small bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs.

After the mixture has firmed in the refrigerator form into approximately 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon balls.  One heaping tablespoon or a small ice cream is a good measure.  Roll into balls, then roll first n the egg wash then in the breadcrumbs.

Fry for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, place on a wire rack to drain and serve with ranch dressing or honey mustard dipping sauce