Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/baked-broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
