Baked Buffalo Broccoli Bites

Opt for a healthier choice for your Super Bowl festivities this year without sacrificing flavor!  I came up with these buffalo broccoli bites after feeling guilty about my lack of healthy snacks.  These bites are breaded in Panko crumbs, baked in the oven and then drizzled with a delicious, spicy buffalo sauce.  Yum!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
• 1 1/2 c skim milk, divided 
• 1 c Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion salt 
• 1/8 tsp pepper 
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1/2 c Frank's hot sauce 
• 1/4 c butter 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

Season the broccoli with salt and pepper.  Pour 1 c of the skim milk in a large bowl.  Combine the Panko crumbs, garlic powder, onion salt, pepper and smoked paprika in a separate large bowl.

Dip the broccoli in the milk and shake off the excess.  Then coat in the Panko crumbs.  Place the broccoli on a lightly-greased baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender to your liking.  

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 c milk, hot sauce and butter in a medium sauce pan.  Heat over medium heat until it comes to just a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer until ready to use.  

Drizzle the hot sauce mixture over the broccoli.  

Serve with blue cheese and enjoy!