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