Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and healthy snack that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They make a perfect appetizer or side dish that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs (for binding)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet, as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once steamed, let them cool and then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Step 3: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. For an extra crispy exterior, broil them for 1 to 2 minutes more, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Let the cheese balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dip.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
• Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
• If you like a spicier bite, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• To make them crispier, you can lightly brush the balls with olive oil before baking.

Storage

Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before chopping and mixing.

Can these be made ahead and frozen?

Absolutely! Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, combining tender steamed broccoli with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Coated lightly with breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they offer a crispy exterior with a creamy, cheesy interior. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or side dish.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Broccoli Mixture

• 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs (for binding)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
• to taste salt and pepper

For Baking

• cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Once steamed, allow them to cool, then finely chop to ensure even distribution in the cheese balls.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a sticky mixture.
3. Form Cheese Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place these balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the broccoli cheese balls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and firm. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Serve: Remove the baked broccoli cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dip for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful, cheesy snack!

Notes

• Steaming the broccoli until just tender keeps the cheese balls moist but helps them hold their shape.
• Using a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture.
• Broiling at the end is optional but gives a wonderful crispiness to the exterior.
• You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked cheese balls, healthy appetizer, vegetarian snack, cheesy broccoli bites