Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These baked broccoli cheese balls are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re perfect for parties or a wholesome treat any day.

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 flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture on the outside.
• Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese center.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
• Make mini versions for bite-sized party snacks.

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 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?

You can substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make a vegan version. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture.

Do I have to steam the broccoli?

Steaming or blanching softens the broccoli so the balls stick together better and bake evenly. Using raw broccoli might result in a crunchier texture and less cohesive mixture.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 705 reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, combining tender broccoli, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan into crispy, flavorful bites baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or a nutritious treat any time.

• Author: Amy
• 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

Broccoli Mixture

• 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

For Baking

• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the 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 the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Drain well to remove excess moisture, then finely chop the broccoli to help the mixture hold together better.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, and the mixture is sticky enough to form balls.
4. Form the balls: Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out the broccoli mixture and roll each portion gently between your hands to form compact balls. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Prepare for baking: Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or a creamy herb dip.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is well drained to avoid soggy balls.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli but thaw and drain if frozen.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and create a crispy outside.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
• Try adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked broccoli appetizers, cheesy broccoli bites, healthy snacks, vegetarian appetizers, party snacks