Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the irresistible crunch of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! These delightful snacks combine wholesome broccoli with gooey cheese for a flavorful bite that’s perfect as an appetizer or quick snack. In just 15 minutes of prep and a short bake, you’ll have a family favorite ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow them to cool, then chop finely.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on a greased baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dip for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a twist, add finely chopped bell peppers or cooked bacon to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to change the flavor profile.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• Make sure the broccoli is well-drained after steaming to avoid soggy cheese balls.

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 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the broccoli cheese balls?

Yes, you can freeze them. Place the baked balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Can I make these without eggs?

Eggs help bind the mixture, but you can replace them with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or another egg substitute to make the recipe egg-free.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy snacks that combine finely chopped broccoli with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then baked to golden perfection. They make a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, perfect for family gatherings and quick bites.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack/Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broccoli Mixture

• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Allow them to cool and chop finely to mix easily with other ingredients.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands, ensuring they hold together well. Place the balls onto a greased baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for even baking.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls turn golden brown on the outside.
5. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy exterior, broil the balls for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls warm, paired with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dip for dipping.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for variation.
• You can switch the type of cheese based on your preference, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Make sure to steam the broccoli just until tender to avoid soggy cheese balls.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Balls, Baked Cheese Snacks, Vegetarian Appetizer, Healthy Snack, Cheese Balls Recipe