Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Delicious and crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls made with fresh broccoli, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, bound together with eggs and breadcrumbs. Baked until golden brown, these bite-sized treats are perfect as a snack or appetizer, served warm with your favorite dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs (for binding)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Once steamed, allow them to cool slightly, then finely chop to small pieces suitable for mixing.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat fully while preparing the mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all components are evenly incorporated.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the broccoli cheese balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy exterior, broil the cheese balls for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, making sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm alongside marinara sauce, ranch dip, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli rather than boiling helps retain nutrients and texture.
- To ensure cheese balls hold their shape, do not overmix the ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- These cheese balls can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked broccoli bites, cheese appetizer, veggie snacks, baked cheese balls, appetizer recipe, vegetarian snacks
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
