Looking for a fun and tasty way to get your daily dose of vegetables? These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a perfect choice! Crispy on the outside and filled with cheesy goodness on the inside, they’re an ideal snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to eat more vegetables or simply craving a savory treat, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil
Directions:
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly tender. Drain well, then chop finely.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture holds together.
Form the Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Serve these broccoli cheese balls warm, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Serving Tips:
Dipping Sauces: Serve these baked broccoli cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Perfect Pairings: These cheese balls are great on their own but also pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, as an appetizer before dinner, or as a side dish to complement roasted meats or pasta.
Kids’ Favorite: If you have picky eaters at home, these cheesy veggie balls are a great way to get kids excited about eating vegetables. Consider using them as part of a fun lunchbox snack or a party platter for kids.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked broccoli cheese balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen broccoli cheese balls, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
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- 4 Ingredient Energy Oatmeal Balls
- Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
FAQs:
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping. Fresh broccoli will give a better texture, but frozen broccoli can still work as long as it’s thoroughly dried after thawing.
Can I make these broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli cheese balls up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When ready to cook, simply bake them as directed. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for later use; just freeze them first on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a bag for long-term storage.
Can I add other vegetables to the broccoli cheese balls?
Yes, you can add other finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to steam or blanch them first to ensure they cook properly inside the cheese balls.
How can I make these broccoli cheese balls vegan?
To make these broccoli cheese balls vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken), and use dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
Conclusion:
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, making them a great option for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun appetizer, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can enjoy them in just 30 minutes! Give them a try today and watch them disappear!
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 broccoli cheese balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and cheesy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, easy-to-make snack or appetizer. Packed with healthy broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese, these bite-sized treats are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions. With a golden, crispy exterior and cheesy, veggie-filled interior, these broccoli cheese balls are perfect for kids and adults alike. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun and tasty way to enjoy vegetables.
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain well and finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or a blend for a unique flavor.
For added flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley.
These can be made ahead of time by preparing the balls and refrigerating them until ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 broccoli cheese balls
- Calories: 80 kcal per ball
Keywords: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, broccoli cheese balls, easy appetizer, cheesy veggie snack, baked snacks, broccoli recipe, kid-friendly veggie dish, healthy cheese balls, vegetarian appetizer, crispy cheese balls
