Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

 

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish that combine the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and the nutritional benefits of broccoli.

The perfect balance of crispy breadcrumbs and gooey melted cheese makes them irresistible to both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

these bite-sized treats are ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Whether you’re looking for a healthier.

alternative to traditional fried snacks or simply want a flavorful way to enjoy your vegetables, baked broccoli cheese balls are a great option.

Ingredients

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Next, steam your broccoli florets until they are tender, then chop them into small pieces.

Make sure the broccoli is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the cheese balls. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli.

shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Stir everything together until it’s fully incorporated and forms a cohesive mixture.

Once your mixture is ready, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the formed broccoli cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

spacing them evenly to allow for even cooking. If desired, you can lightly spray the balls with cooking spray to help them crisp up as they bake.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

After baking, remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.

when the cheese is still gooey and the texture is perfectly crisp. For an added touch, you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce, for extra flavor.

How to Make
To make these delicious broccoli cheese balls, begin by preparing the broccoli. Steam the florets until they are tender, then chop them finely to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients.

Be sure to drain any excess water from the broccoli to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. In a large bowl, mix the broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese.

breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add the egg and spices to the mixture and stir everything together until it’s fully combined.

Next, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small, even-sized balls. Make sure each ball holds together well. If the mixture feels too wet.

you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven.

The heat will crisp up the exterior while melting the cheese inside, creating a deliciously crunchy texture.

Once the broccoli cheese balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a side of dipping sauce to enhance the flavor.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even as part of a healthy meal.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a tasty snack, these baked broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit.

Variations
You can get creative with the ingredients and customize your broccoli cheese balls to suit your taste. For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.

If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, try adding finely chopped herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme.

To make them more filling, you can mix in some cooked quinoa or rice for added texture and nutrition.

For a lower-carb alternative, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This variation works well if you’re following a keto or gluten-free diet.

If you like a creamier texture, you can mix in some cream cheese or ricotta cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a more melty consistency or gouda for a smoky flavor.

If you’re looking to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding finely grated carrots or zucchini to the mix.

These veggies blend well with the broccoli and add additional nutrients without compromising the flavor.

For a fun twist, you could even shape the mixture into smaller patties instead of balls for a different presentation.

The possibilities are endless, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or creative desires.

Tips
To ensure your broccoli cheese balls turn out perfectly, it’s important to steam the broccoli until it’s just tender, not overcooked, to maintain its texture.

Be sure to chop the broccoli finely so that it combines well with the other ingredients and forms compact, easy-to-roll balls. If the mixture feels too sticky or wet.

adding a little more breadcrumbs will help absorb excess moisture and make the mixture easier to handle.

For an extra crispy exterior, lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray before baking. This will help them brown and crisp up beautifully.

You can also experiment with broiling them for the last few minutes of baking to give them an extra golden crunch. If you want to make a larger batch, these cheese balls can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.

If you’re preparing these ahead of time, you can refrigerate the formed balls before baking. This will help them maintain their shape during baking.

Alternatively, you can freeze them and bake them directly from the freezer, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These broccoli cheese balls can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to a month.

Conclusion
Baked broccoli cheese balls are a versatile and delicious snack that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re enjoying them as a healthy treat or serving them as part of a meal.

these cheesy bites are always a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a perfect addition to your recipe rotation.

These broccoli cheese balls also offer a great opportunity for customization, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

With a little creativity, you can make them your own and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious snack that everyone will love.