Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the broccoli cheese balls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/baked-broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
