Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the delightful bite-sized treats that will make even the pickiest eaters in your family squeal with joy. Imagine the irresistible combination of creamy cheese and tender broccoli, all bundled up in a crispy golden shell that crackles as you take a bite. pearl couscous with tomatoes The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and making it impossible to resist sneaking just one more.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- How do I know when they’re done baking?
- Can I freeze Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls for my family; they were all skeptics at first. But as soon as they tasted that cheesy goodness, their skeptical expressions turned into pure delight. colorful veggie omelette Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner, these little balls of joy promise to impress everyone while keeping your secret that they’re packed with veggies!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor and nutrition
- Their vibrant green color adds visual appeal to any platter
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or snacks, they’re perfect for any occasion
I still chuckle when I think about how my kids gobbled them up on movie night, completely unaware they were eating their greens.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets without yellowing for maximum freshness and flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the overall taste; it melts beautifully too.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for an extra crispy texture; it makes all the difference in crunchiness.
- Eggs: They act as a binder and help hold everything together; use fresh eggs for best results.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth; fresh garlic can be too overpowering here.
- Onion Powder: This adds a subtle sweetness without being overwhelming; choose finely ground powder.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the flavor profile; adjust to your taste preferences.
- Olive Oil Spray: Lightly misting enhances browning and crispness during baking without excess fat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Broccoli: Rinse and chop fresh broccoli into small pieces. Steam them lightly until bright green but still crisp—about 3-4 minutes works well.
Mash It Up: In a mixing bowl, combine steamed broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. low carb egg roll bowl Get your hands in there for thorough mixing!
Shape the Balls: Grab small amounts of the mixture and roll them into uniform balls—about an inch in diameter works perfectly.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
Bake Until Golden: Place the broccoli balls on the baking sheet and give them a light mist of oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Savor Your Creation: Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before indulging. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—the cheesy goodness awaits!
Enjoy these crunchy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls at family gatherings or as an after-school snack that’s sure to be a hit! turkey avocado toast.
You Must Know
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not just delicious; they’re a healthy twist on traditional comfort food
- The crispy exterior gives way to cheesy, velvety goodness inside
- They are perfect for snacking or as a side dish at any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the ingredients while the oven heats up, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures your cheese balls cook evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add cooked quinoa for a heartier texture. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta to find your favorite flavor combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, ensure the broccoli is finely chopped for even cooking
- Avoid over-mixing the ingredients to keep them light and airy
- A small scoop helps maintain uniform size for even baking
Sometimes, I serve these as appetizers during family gatherings, and watching everyone’s delighted faces as they crunch into them is priceless. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that never fails! For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re ready when golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 20-25 minutes.
Can I freeze Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for an easy snack option later on.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings (24 balls) 1x
Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful, bite-sized snack that combines the goodness of fresh broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a crispy golden crust. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a sneaky way to get kids to eat their greens, these flavorful treats will have everyone asking for more. Easy to make and bursting with nutrition, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam the chopped broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
- In a mixing bowl, combine steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Spray a baking sheet with olive oil and place the broccoli balls on it. Lightly mist them with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
