These baked broccoli cheese balls are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and nutritious. Made with steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan, they’re a fun, healthy snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Whether served as a side dish or a finger food, these bite-sized treats are a delicious way to get your veggies in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside
- Packed with broccoli for a healthy, veggie-filled snack
- Easy to make in just 35 minutes
- Low in calories, making it a guilt-free treat
- Versatile—serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg, beaten
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots for more variety.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy version.
- Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella or any other cheese you prefer for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these balls gluten-free.
- Make It Vegan: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness. You can also reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked broccoli cheese balls for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven after thawing for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before using it in the recipe.
How do I keep the cheese balls from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well-combined, and don’t skip the egg—it helps bind the ingredients together. You can also refrigerate the formed balls for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the broccoli cheese balls in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, like mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
How can I make these less greasy?
Be sure to bake them on parchment paper and avoid adding extra oil to the mixture. The cheese will melt and give them enough moisture.
Can I make these with a dairy-free option?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and a flax egg to make them dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
What can I serve these with?
These are great with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also pair well with a side salad or as a side dish with your main course.
Conclusion
These baked broccoli cheese balls are a fun and healthy way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in cheesy goodness. Perfect for meal prep, appetizers, or as a snack, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a tasty treat to share with friends, these broccoli cheese balls will be a hit at any gathering!
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, healthy snack or appetizer made with steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re quick to make and perfect for meal prep, serving as a fun and nutritious finger food for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form balls: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Add more veggies: Include cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots for extra variety.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make them spicier.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or any cheese you prefer for different flavors.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegan option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
