We’ve transformed the classic combination of Cheddar and broccoli into a clever handheld treat. Broccoli florets are quickly steamed to crisp-tender, folded into a simple batter with loads of fresh scallions and nutty Cheddar and then baked to perfection. A handful of crispy bacon pieces adds a lovely savory note to each bite.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 1 hr 20 min |
| Active: | 30 min |
| Yield: | about 24 bars |
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 1 hr 20 min |
| Active: | 30 min |
| Yield: | about 24 bars |
Ingredients
- Nonstick baking spray, for the baking dish
- 6 ounces bacon (6 to 8 slices), finely chopped
- About 1/4 cup olive oil
- 10 ounces small broccoli florets (about 5 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook’s Note)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, diced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the longer sides; spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the bacon to a medium nonstick skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour the bacon fat into a liquid measuring cup – you should have about 1/4 cup. Add more olive oil to the measuring cup until it reaches 1/2 cup.
- Meanwhile, add the broccoli to a medium microwave-safe bowl and add 2 tablespoons water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 teaspoons salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk the milk, eggs and bacon fat-olive oil mixture in a large bowl until smooth and combined. Add the flour mixture and whisk to combine. Fold in the bacon, steamed broccoli, Cheddar and scallions until evenly combined.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top into an even layer. Bake until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Set aside on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then remove the bars from the pan and slice into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 24 servings |
| Calories | 165 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 of 24 servings |
| Calories | 165 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
Reviews
I agree with the other reviews. Just extremely bland. Needs more eggs and less flour; ratio is just off and the dish is dense and flavorless. Needs more seasoning, more broccoli and cheese. Really disappointed with this recipe.
Made this tonight. Definitely needs more salt, maybe garlic…. I doused it with teriyaki sauce. ..still not great.
Extremely bland! When trying someone else’s recipe, I follow strictly the first time. This is a good start for a beginner. I will make it again but add a lot more flavor. It needs more salt, pepper and other spices. I recommend adding more cheese and bacon or use a combination of bacon and sausage for added flavor. Like I said, good beginners recipe. Try it and put your own spin on it. Oh by the way, I agree with an earlier post, how do you get bars out of this!
I liked it, broccoli was sweet and tender. I cut the recipe in half and it’s still way too much. Husband didn’t care for it at all. Had the serve it with butter
Sounds good, but BIG question: step 5:
…bake until the bars are golden brown…
How, when and where did the mix we just put in the baking dish and smoothed out the top turn into “bars”???
…bake until the bars are golden brown…
How, when and where did the mix we just put in the baking dish and smoothed out the top turn into “bars”???