Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets; 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

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If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious snack that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while satisfying any cheese cravings. They are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, these little bites of joy will surely be a hit!

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. You can whip it up in no time, and they make an excellent appetizer or side dish. Plus, they are easy to customize based on what you have on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese, and they’ll enjoy these tasty bites packed with nutritious broccoli!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them alone or dip them into your favorite sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. You probably already have many of these items in your kitchen!

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)
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

Variations

One of the best things about Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls is how flexible they are! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Add Some Heat: Toss in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Change the Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Mix in Other Veggies: Shredded carrots or spinach can complement the broccoli beautifully.
Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an aromatic touch to your cheese balls.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam your broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes. After steaming, let them cool before finely chopping. This step ensures that your broccoli is perfectly cooked but still holds its vibrant color and nutrients!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined; this is where all those delicious flavors meld into one yummy mixture.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Now comes the fun part! Roll small portions of your mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. This step helps create that irresistible crispy exterior when baked while ensuring they hold their shape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your broccoli balls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. If you want an extra crispy finish, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once they’re out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving warm. Pair these delightful bites with marinara or ranch dip for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy every cheesy crunch!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Making the perfect baked broccoli cheese balls can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure yours come out delicious every time.

Chop broccoli finely: Finely chopping the broccoli helps blend it seamlessly into the cheese mixture, making for a uniform texture and easier rolling of the balls.
Use fresh ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your cheese balls.
Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the steamed broccoli to cool before mixing prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and makes it easier to handle while forming the balls.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the garlic and onion powder levels according to your preference. This flexibility allows you to put your personal spin on the recipe!
Experiment with different cheeses: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, you can add mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack for an exciting twist on flavor.

How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Baked broccoli cheese balls are not only delicious but also quite versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you want them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, here are some fun ways to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the cheesy goodness.
Grated lemon zest: A light dusting of lemon zest right before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with these cheesy bites, balancing richness with freshness.
Vegetable sticks: Crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks provide a refreshing contrast in texture. Serve them alongside your favorite dip for extra flavor!
Hummus: Creamy hummus is an excellent choice for dipping. Its smooth texture and savory flavor pair well with the crispy cheese balls.
Quinoa or rice pilaf: A light quinoa or rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can round out the meal nicely, adding substance without overpowering the star of the show.

These serving suggestions make your baked broccoli cheese balls an even more delightful addition to any table. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them properly.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked cheese balls cool completely.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat from frozen by placing them on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
If reheating refrigerated cheese balls, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls!

Can I use frozen broccoli for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before chopping and mixing it with other ingredients.

How do I ensure my Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls stay crispy?

To keep them crispy, make sure to bake them until they are golden brown and consider broiling them for a minute or two at the end. Also, allow them to cool slightly before serving!

Can I substitute cheddar cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor. Just keep in mind that this may change the overall taste of your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls.

How can I make these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls gluten-free?

You can easily substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your flour is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls as much as I do! They’re not only a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your snack time but also super fun to share with friends and family. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, these cheesy bites are sure to please everyone. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or variations you’d like to try!