Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Get ready for the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and vegetable-packed goodness with these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! Think crispy, golden outside with a warm, gooey, cheesy center—this snack or side dish is bound to be a hit every time. If you’re someone who enjoys making veggies fun and irresistible, these little bites are for you. They’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or even an appetizer for your next gathering. And trust me, even those who claim to “not like broccoli” will be reaching for seconds!

The best part? Baked, not fried! You get all the crispy, golden deliciousness without the extra oil. These broccoli cheese balls are healthier but still packed with flavor and all the melt-in-your-mouth goodness you want from a cheesy snack.

Why You’ll Love Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Cheesy Goodness

If you love cheese (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), these cheese balls are the stuff dreams are made of. With melted cheddar and Parmesan, you get that perfect cheese pull with every bite.

2. Veggie-Packed and Delicious

This is a sneaky way to get more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The broccoli is finely chopped, so it’s incorporated into every bite, adding nutrition and texture without being overwhelming.

3. Crispy, Baked Perfection

Baked, not fried, these broccoli cheese balls still have that satisfying crunch on the outside, while the inside stays wonderfully moist and cheesy. You’ll love the contrast of textures!

4. Perfect for Meal Prep or Parties

These are great for meal prep because they store well in the fridge and are easy to reheat. Plus, they’re perfect for a party or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

5. Kid-Friendly

These little bites are an easy way to sneak some vegetables into even the pickiest eaters. Broccoli + cheese = a combo that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients

For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:

• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, finely chopped.
• Cheddar cheese: A classic melty cheese that adds flavor and gooey texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and create that crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Helps hold the mixture together and adds richness.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle, savory kick.
• Onion powder: For that extra layer of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.

For the Coating (Optional):

• Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Olive oil spray: To give the balls a little extra crispiness as they bake.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help keep the cheese balls from sticking.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender, then drain and chop it finely. If using frozen broccoli, just thaw and chop it. You want the broccoli to be finely chopped so it mixes evenly in the batter. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture!

3. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You’ll want the mixture to stick together when you form it into balls. If it’s too dry, add a little more egg or cheese; if too wet, add extra breadcrumbs.

4. Form the Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each one gently to ensure they are compact and uniform in size.

5. Coat the Balls (Optional)

For an extra crispy finish, roll the balls in some additional breadcrumbs and place them on the baking sheet. Then, lightly spray them with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through for even baking, but that’s totally optional.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re done, take the broccoli cheese balls out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Pair with a dipping sauce, like ranch, marinara, or even sriracha mayo, for that extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

• As a Snack: Perfect for when you’re craving something savory and cheesy. Enjoy them with a cold drink and savor every bite!
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite dinner—these broccoli cheese balls are the perfect companion to anything from pasta to roasted chicken.
• As an Appetizer: These are perfect for parties! Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces and watch them disappear.
• In a Salad: Toss a few of these crispy bites into a fresh salad for an extra crunch and cheesy pop.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead

You can make these ahead of time! Simply assemble the cheese balls, place them on the baking sheet, and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from frozen—just add an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

2. Customize the Cheese

While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, you can play around with different cheeses. Try adding mozzarella for an extra gooey inside or some pepper jack for a spicy kick.

3. Add More Veggies

Want to make these even more veggie-packed? Try adding carrot or zucchini to the mixture. Just be sure to finely chop or grate them to help them bind into the balls.

4. Make Them Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground almonds or oats for a more natural alternative.

5. Serve with Dipping Sauces

Elevate these broccoli cheese balls with a variety of dipping sauces. Try ranch, sweet chili sauce, or even a spicy mustard for a tangy contrast.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A1: Yes! Just thaw and chop the broccoli into small pieces. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the cheese balls, freeze them for about 1-2 hours, and then store them in the freezer until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra time when baking from frozen.

Q3: How do I prevent the broccoli balls from falling apart?

A3: Make sure to press the mixture together firmly when forming the balls, and be careful not to overwork the mixture. If they’re too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if they’re too dry, add a little more egg.

Q4: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?

A4: Yes! If you want to avoid breadcrumbs, you can substitute with oats, almond flour, or even ground flaxseed for a different texture.

Q5: What dipping sauces work best?

A5: Try dipping them in ranch dressing, marinara sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or even honey mustard—the options are endless!

Q6: Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?

A6: Definitely! Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any other meltable cheese you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change based on the cheese you use.

Q7: Can I make these in the air fryer?

A7: Yes! To air fry, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the broccoli cheese balls for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Q9: Can I freeze the unbaked balls?

A9: Yes! Assemble the cheese balls, freeze them for 1-2 hours, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.

Q10: How can I make these vegan?

A10: Use vegan cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) to make these cheese balls vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed goodness. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a delicious side dish, or something to impress your guests, these little bites will not disappoint. Easy to make, full of flavor, and even a great way to sneak in some veggies—what’s not to love? Give them a try, and I promise they’ll be gone in no time!

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