Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty and comforting snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these bite-sized treats make a great appetizer or side dish.

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)

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. Let them cool, then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Step 3: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the balls are golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or ranch dip. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add finely chopped cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor boost.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
• Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier.

Storage

Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely! You can deep-fry the cheese balls in hot oil until golden and crispy, but baking is a healthier option.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack made with tender broccoli florets, a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, they offer a flavorful, cheesy bite with a delightful crunch. Serve them warm with your favorite marinara or ranch dip for a crowd-pleasing treat.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Once steamed, allow them to cool slightly, then finely chop the broccoli to prepare for mixing.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing 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 thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and form a slightly sticky mixture.
3. Form Cheese Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into approximately 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch. For an extra crispy exterior, broil the cheese balls for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
5. Serve: Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dip, and enjoy a savory, cheesy snack.

Notes

• Steaming broccoli until tender-crisp helps retain nutrients and texture.
• Ensure the mixture is well combined to prevent cheese balls from falling apart during baking.
• Broiling at the end adds extra crispiness if desired, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• These balls can be customized by adding herbs like parsley or spices like paprika for extra flavor.
• They are best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated later.

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked broccoli balls, cheese appetizer, healthy snack, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, vegetarian appetizer