Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They make a perfect snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 2: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain well and finely chop.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
4. Step 4: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, roll the balls in additional breadcrumbs before baking.
• Add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the flavor.
• Use mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different cheesy flavor.
• Make them gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.

Storage

Store any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. These can also be frozen for up to one month and reheated directly from frozen.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the balls and refrigerate them for a few hours or freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and nutritious appetizer or snack. Crisp on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re made with finely chopped broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, combined with breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a healthy twist on comfort food.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 broccoli 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 Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain them very well to remove any excess moisture, then finely chop to create a uniform texture in the mixture.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture binds together well enough to hold shape.
4. Form Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a tight ball. Place the formed balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Apply Oil Coating: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil to help them achieve a crispy and golden exterior when baked.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls turn golden brown and have a crispy crust on the outside.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly after steaming to avoid soggy cheese balls.
• Using fresh breadcrumbs will provide a better texture, but you can use store-bought as a substitute.
• Feel free to add herbs like parsley or chives for an extra flavor boost.
• If you’d like a crunchier coating, try rolling the balls in extra breadcrumbs before baking.
• These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

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