Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are tasty little bites that combine good-for-you broccoli with melty cheese. They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier snack!
These balls are perfect for sneaking veggies into meals or enjoying as party treats. I love serving them with a zingy dip—so good, you’ll want to make extra! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but frozen florets work too—just thaw and drain well! For a different veggie twist, try cauliflower or even spinach.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar gives amazing flavor, you can swap it for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if preferred. A mix of cheeses adds extra depth.
Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to leave it out if you’re looking to simplify. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs add crispness, but you can also use panko for a crunchier texture or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Eggs: If you want an eggless version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) as a binder instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Broccoli Balls?
The key to textural perfection is in how you prepare your ingredients. First, blanch the broccoli briefly—this helps maintain its bright color and tenderness. Be sure to drain it well and pat it dry. If it’s too wet, your balls might fall apart.
- Mix everything in a large bowl, ensuring the cheese and breadcrumbs are evenly distributed. This helps bind the ingredients together.
- If you find the mixture too loose, don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. This will help hold the balls together when baking.
- When shaping the balls, make sure they’re tightly packed to prevent them from crumbling while cooking.
These tips will help you create scrumptious baked broccoli cheese balls that are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside! Happy cooking!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and fun recipe to whip up whenever you’re in the mood for a healthy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the chopped broccoli and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes, just until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli, then immediately rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Be sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels—this helps avoid soggy balls!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (1 cup), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Bind with Eggs:
Crack the eggs into the mixture and mix everything thoroughly until it holds together. If you find the mixture is too loose for shaping, simply add a little more breadcrumbs until it reaches a consistency that can easily be formed into balls.
5. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into golf-ball-sized balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—just make sure they’re packed tightly!
6. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
Place some extra breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Gently roll each broccoli ball in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Lightly spray the tops of the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them. This helps them crisp up nicely during baking.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn the balls halfway through so they get evenly golden brown and crispy all around!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These delicious little bites are best served warm, and you can enjoy them with ranch dressing, sour cream dip, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, baked broccoli cheese balls! They’re a tasty way to get your veggies in and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! 😄
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Blanch it for a minute or two to ensure it’s tender before mixing.
How Do I Store Leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Bake These without Cheese?
Absolutely! You can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version or replace it with a dairy-free cheese substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary a bit!
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Additionally, check that the other ingredients (like cheese and seasoning) are also gluten-free.
