If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a recipe that’s quick, low-carb, and crowd-pleasing—especially one that doesn’t involve fifteen steps and a pantry full of obscure ingredients. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe for Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds—they check all the right boxes: crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with veggie goodness in every bite.

These little rounds have become one of my favorite things to whip up when I need something snacky, savory, and satisfying. They’re also one of those “how is this healthy?” kinds of recipes, which I always consider a win. With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen—you can make a batch in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re trying to stay low-carb, keto, or just want a new way to eat more veggies, these broccoli cheese rounds are a great go-to.

I first made these on a whim one weekday afternoon when I had some leftover broccoli and wasn’t in the mood for a salad. I threw a few ingredients together, and what came out of the oven surprised me. Golden, cheesy little patties that were crisp around the edges and full of flavor. Since then, they’ve become a weekly staple. They’re awesome as a side dish, make a great addition to lunchboxes, and are just as good reheated as they are fresh out of the oven.

Let’s get into the recipe so you can see just how easy they are to make.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups finely chopped or riced broccoli

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup almond flour

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

That’s it! Seven simple ingredients, and nothing you can’t pronounce. You can also use store-bought riced broccoli if you want to save even more time—I won’t tell.

STEPS: How to Make Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the rounds cook evenly and prevents sticking—plus cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
You’ll want your broccoli chopped finely or riced. If you’re starting with whole florets, a few pulses in the food processor will do the trick. Then, steam or microwave the broccoli until just tender—about 3-4 minutes in the microwave should be enough.

Step 3: Remove the Moisture
This is a super important step, so don’t skip it! Once the broccoli has cooled slightly, place it in a clean kitchen towel or between layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. The drier your broccoli, the crispier your rounds will be.

Step 4: Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine your squeezed-out broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined and holds together like a thick batter.

That’s the foundation of your broccoli cheese rounds! Up next, we’ll shape and bake these little golden bites, plus I’ll share a few tips for making them extra flavorful and crispy.

Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Rounds: A Crispy, Cheesy Snack You’ll Make on Repeat

Now that you’ve got your broccoli mixture ready, it’s time to turn that flavorful blend into perfectly golden, bite-sized rounds. This part is just as simple and quick as the first—and before you know it, your kitchen is going to smell amazing.

If you’ve ever made fritters or veggie patties, this process will feel pretty familiar. The key is in shaping the rounds and baking them just long enough to get that crisped-up edge and soft, cheesy center. This part is also where you can have a little fun with add-ins and flavor tweaks if you want to make them your own.

Let’s jump right back in!

STEPS: Shaping and Baking Your Broccoli Cheese Rounds

Step 5: Shape the Mixture into Rounds
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the broccoli mixture and shape it into small rounds. You can roll them between your palms and gently flatten them into mounds, or just drop them directly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet and shape them there.

Each round should be about 2 inches wide and slightly flattened. You don’t want them too thick, or they won’t bake through evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—you’re looking for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. They’ll continue to firm up a little as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re still a bit soft when they come out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let the rounds cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them hold together better and also keeps your fingers from getting scorched (we’ve all been there).

Tips to Make These Even Better

These rounds are fantastic as-is, but here are a few tricks and optional add-ins if you’re looking to level up the flavor or texture:

1. Add a Kick
Like a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. It gives the rounds a subtle heat that pairs well with the sharp cheddar.

2. Try Different Cheeses
Cheddar is classic, but you can absolutely switch it up. Pepper Jack, Colby, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan all work great here. Just make sure the cheese you use melts well.

3. Mix in Fresh Herbs
Chopped parsley, chives, or even dill can add a fresh pop of flavor. Just a tablespoon or so is enough to brighten things up without overpowering the cheesy goodness.

4. Use a Mini Muffin Tin
If you want perfectly uniform rounds and don’t feel like shaping them by hand, a mini muffin tin is your best friend. Just spray it with nonstick spray and spoon the mixture in—bake as usual. This is a great option if you’re making a big batch for parties or meal prep.

5. Air Fryer Option
You can also make these in the air fryer if you prefer an even crispier texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.