Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and healthy snack or appetizer that combines the crispness of baked broccoli with the creamy goodness of cheese. These bite-sized treats are the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tender broccoli, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy coating. Baked instead of fried, these balls offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate more veggies into your diet or simply craving a cheesy snack, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also packed with nutritious ingredients. The broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber, while the cheese adds a creamy, melty indulgence that everyone loves. By baking instead of frying, these cheese balls are lighter but still crispy on the outside with a perfectly gooey, cheesy interior. They make for an easy and fun snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Ingredients
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2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 large egg, beaten
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the beaten egg and milk to the mixture, then stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when you form it into balls. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and coat each ball with a light layer of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
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Place the broccoli cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with olive oil.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep time: 10-15 minutes
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Cook time: 20-25 minutes
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Total time: 30-40 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the texture might be slightly less crisp.
For longer storage, you can freeze these cheese balls. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before chopping. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cheese balls.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar and Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.
3. Are these cheese balls gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs.
4. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I fry these instead of baking them?
Yes, if you prefer to fry them, heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the balls for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even cauliflower to the mixture. Just be sure to chop them finely and cook them to remove excess moisture.
7. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can make these dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and substituting the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer.
8. Can I freeze the uncooked broccoli cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked cheese balls. Just form them, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen as directed.
9. Can I use a food processor to chop the broccoli?
Yes, you can use a food processor to chop the broccoli. Just pulse it a few times until the pieces are small but not a puree.
10. What’s the best dipping sauce for these cheese balls?
These cheese balls are delicious with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip.
Conclusion
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of cheesy, crispy, and healthy all in one bite. They’re an excellent way to get more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these cheese balls are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a delicious, guilt-free snack that’s both fun and flavorful!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer that combines tender broccoli with melty cheese in a crispy coating. Baked instead of fried, these bite-sized treats are lighter but still full of flavor. Perfect for meal prep, parties, or as a veggie-packed snack that everyone will love!
Ingredients
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2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 large egg, beaten
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, mix steamed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until well combined. The mixture should hold together when shaped into balls. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, coating each one lightly with breadcrumbs.
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Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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You can substitute cheddar and Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
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Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
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To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
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