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 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.
- 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 (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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/baked-broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
