Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any time of day. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these bite-sized treats make a great appetizer or side dish. They’re easy to prepare and bake, making them a great option for home cooks looking for a tasty vegetable boost.

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 crispiness, you can toss the balls in additional breadcrumbs before baking.
• Try adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
• Substitute cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
• If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help it bind better.

Storage

Store any 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 about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! Shape the broccoli cheese balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

Delicious and crispy baked broccoli cheese balls that make a perfect appetizer or snack. Made with finely chopped broccoli, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and seasoned with garlic powder, these golden bites are baked to perfection for a healthier alternative to fried snacks.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 20 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 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 they are tender but still vibrant green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then finely chop the broccoli to ensure even texture in the balls.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well enough to form balls.
4. Shape Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a compact ball. Arrange 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 a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up and develop a golden color while baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the broccoli cheese balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the broccoli very well to avoid soggy cheese balls.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• These can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
• Serve with ranch dressing or marinara for dipping.

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