Next, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into little rounds. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to breathe as they’ll puff up slightly while baking. I like to press them down gently for a flatter shape – it helps them get that nice crispiness on the edges! Once you’ve shaped all your rounds, lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. It truly makes a difference in achieving that golden, crunchy texture.
Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. As they bake, my kitchen fills with an incredible cheesy scent that’s hard to resist. After they are perfectly golden, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easy to pick up and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first made these rounds, I experimented with different types of cheese. I found that sharp cheddar gives a delightful flavor punch, but you could also use mozzarella for a milder taste and extra stretch. I tried it with a sprinkle of Parmesan too, and let me tell you, that added a nutty crunch that I couldn’t get enough of!
Another tip I learned through a bit of trial and error is to ensure your broccoli is finely chopped. If the pieces are too big, it makes it tough for the rounds to hold together. Using a food processor made it so much easier and saved me time. Plus, the uniformity in size helped everything cook evenly.
Finally, I realized that resting the rounds for a few minutes after baking helps maintain their shape. If you can resist the temptation to dive right in, you’ll notice they’re much easier to handle when cooled slightly. The wait is worth every second!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made during my early attempts was not enough seasoning. I was shy with the salt and pepper and ended up with bland rounds. Trust me, don’t be afraid to season well! I recommend tasting the mixture before shaping it – this way, you can adjust to your liking. (See the next page below to continue…)