Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and packed with cheesy, tender broccoli inside, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs (for binding)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow them to cool, then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
3. Step 3: Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Bake the broccoli cheese balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Let the cheese balls cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious with marinara sauce or ranch dip. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
• Add finely chopped cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor twist.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheesy profile.
• If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind the balls 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 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the exterior crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked broccoli cheese balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with broccoli cheese balls?

They go great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. They also work well as a side for soups or salads.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 327 reviews

Deliciously cheesy and crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls make a perfect appetizer or snack. These bite-sized treats combine tender steamed broccoli with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, bound together with eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and melty inside, they are ideal for dipping in marinara or ranch sauce.

• Author: Caleb
• 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 (for binding)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs (for binding)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet, as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled, finely chop the broccoli to ensure a smooth texture for the cheese balls.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat fully. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
4. Form Cheese Balls: Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each ball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese balls turn golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the balls for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Serve: Remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dipping sauce. Enjoy this savory, cheesy treat as an appetizer or snack!

Notes

• Make sure to steam the broccoli until just tender-crisp to maintain a nice texture.
• Chop the broccoli finely to help the cheese balls hold together better.
• Baking instead of frying makes this recipe healthier with less oil.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
• Serve immediately for best texture; they can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked cheese balls, appetizer, snack, healthy cheese balls, vegetable appetizer