Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and packed with cheesy, flavorful goodness inside. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a satisfying snack.

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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Let them cool and then finely chop the steamed broccoli.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Step 3: Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Bake the broccoli cheese balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil them for 1-2 minutes more, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Allow the cheese balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite marinara sauce or ranch dip.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
• Add finely chopped cooked bacon or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and a bit of a kick.
• If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help it bind better.
• Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized balls and make the shaping process easier.

Storage

Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before chopping to remove excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the cheese balls.

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely. Form the cheese balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

Delicious and crispy baked broccoli cheese balls made with fresh broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack. These cheesy bites are baked to golden perfection, offering a flavorful twist on traditional cheese balls with a nutritious vegetable boost.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broccoli Mixture

• 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

Other

• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet, as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Once steamed, allow them to cool completely before finely chopping to ensure even texture in the mixture.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is fully heated before baking the cheese balls for perfect crispness.
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. Season this mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Form Cheese Balls: Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange them carefully on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the broccoli cheese balls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil the balls for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Serve: Allow the cheese balls to cool slightly before serving warm. They can be enjoyed plain or with your choice of marinara or ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is finely chopped after steaming for the best texture and binding.
• Use cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent the cheese balls from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Broiling is optional but recommended for extra crispiness; watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish alongside dips like marinara or ranch.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked cheese bites, healthy appetizers, vegetarian snacks, cheesy broccoli balls, easy baking recipes