Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/baked-broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
