Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: Golden Bite-Sized Joy

Crispy, golden baked broccoli cheese balls spark joy in every bite of this irresistible appetizer.

Packed with vibrant green vegetables and melted cheese, these little spheres promise a delightful crunch.

Nutritious ingredients come together in a simple, playful way that makes snacking feel like a celebration.

cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, gooey center surrounded by a perfectly crisp exterior.

Each ball delivers a burst of flavor that keeps you reaching for more.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with basic kitchen skills and a few smart techniques.

Jump into this culinary adventure and watch these delectable bites disappear in seconds.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
• Carefully layer cheese balls between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Freeze before adding any dipping sauce.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread cheese balls on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore their original crispy texture.
• Place cheese balls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 15-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Best used when you're in a hurry but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.

FAQs

• Are broccoli cheese balls healthy?

Despite being cheesy, they offer nutritional benefits. Broccoli provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while cheese adds protein. Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers.

• Can I make these balls gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This simple swap allows people with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the recipe without compromising taste.

• How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?

Ensure ingredients are well-combined and chilled before shaping. Use cold eggs and grated cheese, and mix thoroughly. Compact the mixture firmly when forming balls to help them hold together during baking.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Essentials

• Boost Veggie Intake: Sneak nutritious broccoli into a delightful cheese ball format that kids and adults will love without feeling like they're eating vegetables.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these cheesy bites with minimal prep and simple ingredients, making them perfect for spontaneous snacking or unexpected guests.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a versatile appetizer that appeals to all ages, offering a fun twist on traditional vegetable side dishes with irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Customizable Cooking Adventure: Experiment with different cheese types, spices, or add-ins to match your taste preferences, turning this recipe into a flexible kitchen favorite.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional base and main flavor for the cheese balls.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor to the mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that contributes a salty and nutty depth to the recipe.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese balls together during cooking.

• Breadcrumbs, Flour: Provide structure and help absorb moisture in the cheese ball mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the broccoli cheese balls.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli Base

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Steam broccoli florets until they’re tender yet maintain a slight crunch, which takes about 3-5 minutes.

Once cooled, chop the broccoli into fine, small pieces.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Finely chopped broccoli
• Breadcrumbs
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes cohesive and well-integrated.

Step 3: Shape Irresistible Bites

Using clean hands, roll the mixture into compact 1-inch balls. Place these delectable morsels on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure proper cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls transform into a gorgeous golden brown color.

For an extra crispy exterior, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool slightly.

Serve alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your preferred dipping companion for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Finely chop broccoli to hide it perfectly in these cheesy balls, making it an excellent way to sneak more vegetables into kids' and picky eaters' diets.
• Pat steamed broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your cheese balls remain crisp and hold their shape during baking.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for better melting and richer flavor, creating a more delicious and cohesive mixture.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniformly sized balls, guaranteeing even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.

Flavor Variations on Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Gluten-Free Veggie Balls: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour. Use cornstarch instead of regular flour for binding.
• Vegan Broccoli Bites: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia seed mixture. Use nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheese Spheres: Swap broccoli with riced cauliflower. Reduce breadcrumbs and increase cheese content. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Balls: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the mixture. Add red pepper flakes and cayenne powder for extra heat. Serve with cool sour cream or yogurt dip.

Pairing Suggestions with Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Whip up a homemade ranch dressing with buttermilk, sour cream, fresh herbs like dill and chives, and a dash of garlic powder to complement the cheesy broccoli balls.
• Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a light, bright counterpoint to the savory appetizer.
• Toss a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the warm, cheesy broccoli balls and add a fresh crunch to the meal.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Broccoli Cheese Balls bring comfort and zest to classic vegetable side dishes. Packed with sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and a golden crispy exterior, these little morsels promise delightful flavor that calls you back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

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Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables by steaming broccoli florets until tender-crisp at 3-5 minutes. Cool completely and finely chop into small uniform pieces.
2. Create mixture by combining chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, and flour in large mixing bowl. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients bind together cohesively.
3. Form compact round balls approximately 1-inch in diameter using clean hands. Place formed balls onto parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Bake at 400F (200C) for 20-25 minutes until exterior turns golden and crispy. Optional: Activate broiler for additional 1-2 minutes to enhance exterior crispiness, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
5. Remove from oven and allow cheese balls to rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve warm alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or preferred dipping condiment for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Precision matters when steaming broccoli, aiming for tender-crisp texture ensures the perfect moisture level and prevents soggy cheese balls.
• Consider using a food processor to finely chop broccoli for more uniform texture and easier mixing of ingredients.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from steamed broccoli using a clean kitchen towel to prevent balls from becoming too wet and falling apart during baking.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles, making the recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg