Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Baked broccoli cheese balls are one of those delightful snacks that can transform any gathering into a fun, flavor-filled affair. They’re the perfect bite-sized morsel to serve at a family reunion, a game day bash, or even as a simple weeknight dinner solution. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, gooey interior, these bites bring together the goodness of broccoli with the comfort of cheese — what’s not to love? Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Why you’ll love this dish

So, why should you make these baked broccoli cheese balls? For starters, they’re incredibly versatile and can easily fit into any meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a side dish that kids will devour, or a main course to serve with a salad, these balls have you covered. They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be prepped in advance, making weeknight dinners feel less stressful.

“These broccoli cheese balls were a hit at our last family get-together! I barely had time to set them out before they disappeared.” – A satisfied home cook

Step-by-step overview

Making baked broccoli cheese balls is an enjoyable cooking adventure that results in a delicious snack everyone will appreciate. Start by steaming your broccoli until it’s perfectly tender and chop it finely. Then, combine it with your cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Finally, roll the mixture into balls and bake them until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. With just a little effort, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Gather these items

• 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 and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

You can also swap out ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a stronger flavor, consider using sharper cheddar cheese, or make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that perfect baking environment.
2. Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender but still hold a bit of crunch. Let them cool a little before you chop them finely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, and flour.
4. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
5. Rolling the mixture into 1-inch balls is up next! Place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. For that extra level of crispiness, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them!
7. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few moments before serving warm. They go wonderfully with marinara or ranch dipping sauces.

Best ways to enjoy it

These baked broccoli cheese balls can serve as a delightful snack or a full meal, depending on how you serve them. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or serve them alongside fresh salads and roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can even present them as a fancy appetizer at your next gathering, making your family and friends rave about your culinary skills!

Storage and reheating tips

To ensure the longevity of your delicious broccoli cheese balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy again.

Helpful cooking tips

To elevate your broccoli cheese balls, consider grating fresh garlic into the mixture for added flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses — mozzarella or pepper jack could provide a tasty twist. Another suggestion is to serve them with a variety of dips like hummus or tzatziki for a refreshing contrast.

Creative twists

Want to shake things up a bit? Try adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor or incorporating different vegetables like spinach or kale into the mixture. You can even spice them up with some chili flakes or substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a gluten-free alternative. The possibilities are endless!

Common questions

1. How long do these take to prepare?
   The entire process from prep to bake time usually takes around 30-40 minutes.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Then, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

3. What’s the best way to freeze them?
   Freeze the formed balls on a baking sheet first before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, so you can take out just as many as you need.

Enjoy creating and tasting these delicious baked broccoli cheese balls — they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Delightful baked broccoli cheese balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped) Steamed until tender
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar can be used for stronger flavor
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper To taste
• Cooking spray For greasing the baking sheet

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender but still hold a bit of crunch. Let them cool before chopping finely.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, and flour.
• Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.

Baking

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely.
• Let cool for a few moments before serving warm.

Notes

Pairs well with marinara or ranch dipping sauces. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Keyword Baked Snacks, Broccoli Cheese Balls, Cheesy Bites, Healthy Snack, Vegetarian Appetizer