I love making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. They are tasty, crunchy, and full of wholesome goodness. This recipe is perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies!
I remember the first time I made these with my sister, Jennifer. We were just kids, and we had a blast mixing everything and rolling the balls. Our dad, James, always loved to dip them in marinara sauce. It was a real family favorite!
Your Ingredients List
- 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
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
My Go-To Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Steamer (or pot for boiling)
- Spoon for mixing
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp for 3-5 minutes. Allow to cool, then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with marinara or ranch dip. Enjoy!
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can switch up the cheese or use whole wheat breadcrumbs to make it even healthier. Adding some finely chopped spinach or kale can boost the nutrients too. You can also try using different herbs for unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love serving these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dip. They also go well with a fresh salad for a more complete meal. For gatherings, serve them on a platter with colorful veggies and a variety of dips.
Getting It Just Right
Make sure to steam the broccoli just enough, so it stays bright green and firm. If you overcook it, the texture won’t be right. Also, don’t skip the broiling step if you want that extra crunch. Always keep a close eye during this step!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them nice and crispy.
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking with family makes me happy, and I hope you share this joy too! Each bite of these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls should remind you of fun times, laughter, and tasty food. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or at your dinner table with loved ones.
A Few Common Questions
How can I customize Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
You can customize these cheese balls by adding different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy twist. You can also mix in herbs or spices of your choice for extra flavor.
Can I make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. This makes it quick and easy to pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. You can also freeze the uncooked balls and bake them straight from the freezer when you want them.
What can I dip Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in?
These cheese balls go great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a tangy yogurt dip. Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tasty, crunchy, and full of wholesome goodness, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Sneak in some veggies and enjoy with dipping sauces!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp for 3-5 minutes. Allow to cool, then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with marinara or ranch dip.
Notes
For a healthier option, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or add finely chopped spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheat at 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: broccoli, cheese balls, vegetarian snack, healthy appetizer, baked snacks