Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! These delightful snacks combine wholesome broccoli with gooey cheese for a flavor-packed bite. Perfect as an appetizer or quick snack, they’re easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes, then cool and chop them finely.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a uniform mixture.
- Step 3: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Step 5: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, mix in finely chopped red bell peppers or cooked bacon bits before baking.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make smaller balls for bite-sized appetizers or larger ones for a more filling snack.
Storage
Store baked broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; bake from frozen with an additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls in advance. Store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage.
What dipping sauces go well with broccoli cheese balls?
Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are classic options that complement the flavors well, but you can also try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! These delightful snacks combine wholesome broccoli with gooey cheese for a flavor-packed bite. Perfect as an appetizer or quick snack, they come together easily with just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. Customize by adding your favorite veggies or switching up the cheese to make these cheesy bites your own. After one taste, they’ll surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cheese balls.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow them to cool, then chop finely to prepare for mixing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during baking. Place the formed balls evenly spaced on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside. For extra crispiness, optionally broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dip for a delicious appetizer or snack experience.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or any other favorite cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Optional mix-ins like finely diced bell peppers or onions can add extra texture and taste.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
- For a crispier texture without broiling, consider lightly spraying the balls with cooking spray before baking.
- Make sure not to over-steam broccoli to maintain a slight crunch inside the balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli cheese balls, baked appetizer, cheesy snacks, broccoli recipes, easy snacks, party appetizers
