Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, healthy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they make a great appetizer or party treat. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and bake to perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes, then let them cool before finely chopping.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully mixed.
3. Step 3: Roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls turn golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, broil for 1-2 more minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Let the broccoli cheese balls cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite marinara or ranch dip. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or finely chopped jalapeños for extra flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones and use gluten-free flour.

Storage

Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain their crispiness. 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 use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before chopping and adding to the mixture.

Can I bake these without steaming the broccoli first?

Steaming the broccoli softens it and helps hold the balls together. While you can skip steaming by finely chopping raw broccoli, the texture may be less tender and affect binding.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

Deliciously cheesy and crispy baked broccoli cheese balls make a perfect appetizer or snack. These bite-sized treats combine tender broccoli, rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, all baked to golden perfection for a healthy yet indulgent option.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 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 grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the broccoli cheese balls.
2. Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they become tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. After steaming, allow them to cool slightly before finely chopping to mix easily with other ingredients.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until fully incorporated.
4. Shape Balls: Roll portions of the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese balls turn golden brown on the outside.
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For a crispier finish, broil the cheese balls for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and let the cheese balls cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite marinara or ranch dipping sauce. Enjoy this tasty snack or appetizer!

Notes

• Make sure to chop the steamed broccoli finely for better texture and binding.
• Using equal parts cheddar and Parmesan cheese adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
• Store leftover balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• These can also be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

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