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A rustic wooden board holding crispy Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Sticks topped with bubbling, golden-brown melted mozzarella cheese, sliced into rectangular pieces next to a vintage paper recipe tag.

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Sticks

A health-conscious, Mediterranean-inspired alternative to classic cheesy garlic bread. These Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Sticks feature a fiber-rich, herb-infused vegetable crust packed with broccoli, cauliflower, and real Parmesan cheese. Topped with a luxurious layer of golden, bubbly mozzarella cheese and sliced into perfect rectangular sticks, they deliver an incredibly satisfying crunch without any refined carbs. Perfect as a wholesome family snack, a low-carb appetizer,
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Servings: 13
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

For the Green-Flecked Veggie Crust:
  • * 3 cups Broccoli florets finely chopped
  • * 5 cups Cauliflower florets approx. 1 medium head
  • * 1 large Egg
  • * 1 tablespoon Whole wheat flour or Almond flour for a Gluten-Free/Keto option
  • * 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried Mediterranean herb blend equal parts oregano and basil
  • * 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • * 1/4 teaspoon Fine sea salt
  • * 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano Parmesan, finely grated
  • * 1 cup Low-moisture Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • * 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil for brushing the crust
For the Molten Topping:
  • * 1 cup Low-moisture Mozzarella cheese shredded
For the Dipping Component (Optional):
  • * 1/2 cup Warm garlic-forward marinara sauce
  • * 1/2 cup Greek yogurt blended with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a minced garlic clove

Method
 

Boil the Veggies:
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets. Cook for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly into a colander.
The 1-Hour Passive Drain:
  1. Spread the hot, drained vegetables evenly over a baking sheet lined with thick paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Allow them to air-dry and cool completely for 1 hour.
Express Excess Water:
  1. Gather the edges of the towel around the cooled vegetables, twist tightly, and press forcefully to squeeze out any remaining liquid into the sink.
Preheat and Prepare:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10.5 x 7-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides.
Process the Crust Dough:
  1. Place the dry veggies, egg, flour, dried herbs, garlic powder, sea salt, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella into a food processor. Pulse until finely minced and cohesive, ensuring it maintains a textured feel.
Press and Oil:
  1. Spread the veggie dough into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly with your fingers or a spatula to form a uniform rectangle. Lightly brush the top with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.
First Bake:
  1. Bake the crust in the center rack for 20 minutes until the structure feels firm and the borders show a light golden tint.
Top and Broil:
  1. Remove the pan from the oven. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top in an even layer. Return to the oven for 10 minutes until melted. Turn the oven setting to Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is beautifully speckled with deep golden bubbles.
Rest and Slice:
  1. Allow the pan to sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. Carefully lift the parchment paper out onto a wooden board. Use a sharp knife to cut the block down the center lengthwise, then slice crosswise into roughly 14 clean, rectangular sticks. Serve warm with your preferred dip.

Notes

* For the best structural results, always grate your mozzarella from a fresh, low-moisture block rather than buying pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking starches that inhibit melting.
* If using frozen broccoli or cauliflower, ensure they are fully thawed and extra care is taken during the towel-squeezing stage, as frozen vegetables absorb significantly more water during processing.