Delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked broccoli cheese balls are the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and healthy broccoli, all wrapped in a crispy, golden exterior. Whether you're looking for a tasty snack, a side dish, or a fun way to get kids to eat more vegetables, this recipe has you covered. The mild flavors of the broccoli blend beautifully with the cheddar cheese, and the baked method gives these bites a lighter texture without sacrificing taste. Plus, they're easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a quick baking time!

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and finely chop the broccoli.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden and crispy on the outside.

6. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 18-20 broccoli cheese balls, depending on the size.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add spices: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or paprika to the mixture.

• Use a different cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a combination of different cheeses like Parmesan for a unique flavor.

• Make them gluten-free: Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Add proteinbacon or sausage for added richness.: Mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for added richness.

• Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give these bites a fresh, aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

How can I make these broccoli cheese balls spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the mixture to give it a spicy kick. Alternatively, try using a spicier cheese like pepper jack.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! You can prep the broccoli cheese balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them from frozen when you're ready.

Can I freeze broccoli cheese balls?

Absolutely! After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping and using it in the recipe.

How can I make these broccoli cheese balls crispier?

To make them extra crispy, you can give them a quick spray of cooking oil before baking. Alternatively, you could use panko breadcrumbs for more crunch.

How do I know when the broccoli cheese balls are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses. The texture may change slightly depending on the cheese you use.

Are these broccoli cheese balls vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients, except for the eggs. If you want to make them vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacer.

Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?

Definitely! You can mix in other finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower, to increase the nutritional value and flavor.

Can I make these without flour?

Yes, if you want to make these gluten-free or avoid flour, you can omit it and increase the breadcrumbs slightly, or use a gluten-free flour alternative.

Conclusion

Baked broccoli cheese balls are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried snacks, combining the goodness of broccoli with the irresistible taste of cheese. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a tasty dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Customize them to your liking with different spices, cheeses, or added protein for an even more satisfying treat!

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Delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

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Baked broccoli cheese balls are a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and healthy broccoli, wrapped in a crispy, golden exterior. These light, savory bites are a fun way to enjoy vegetables, making them ideal for snacks, appetizers, or side dishes.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 18-20 broccoli cheese balls
• Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and finely chop the broccoli.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden and crispy on the outside.
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.

Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like Parmesan for a unique flavor.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for added richness.

Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh twist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 broccoli cheese ball
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg