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
Scale
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
