Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Let me introduce you to a little obsession of mine: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. They’re bite-sized bundles of cheesy, crisp perfection, ideal for almost any occasion—party appetizers, game night snacks, or just a delicious way to nudge a few more veggies onto the table. Each ball packs tender broccoli, oozy cheddar, savory hints of garlic and onion, and a golden, crunchy exterior that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or simply craving something comforting, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are sure to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls come together with everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. The mix of cheeses, fresh broccoli, and simple seasonings brings loads of flavor, color, and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips for the very best results):
- Fresh broccoli florets: Steamed just enough to stay vibrant and tender, they give these balls their nutritious, green goodness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself for extra meltiness and bold flavor that really pops in each bite.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together, and adding a little extra on the outside guarantees a crispy coating.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds another layer of nutty, salty flavor in every bite.
- Onion: Finely chopped so it melds right into the mixture—you get a touch of sweetness and depth without big chunks.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings savory aroma and a warm kick.
- Eggs: The glue that holds these balls together (and adds a little richness too).
- Salt: Just enough to draw out the flavors of the cheese and broccoli.
- Black pepper: For a subtle hint of sharpness that complements the cheeses.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you love a little heat, this is your secret weapon for some zing.
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil: A light mist or drizzle helps achieve that glorious golden crust without frying.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick spray or olive oil—this helps your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls get crisp and ensures they won’t stick when you flip them later on.
Step 2: Steam and Chop the Broccoli
Steam or boil your fresh broccoli florets for just about 2–3 minutes until they’re tender but still a little firm and bright green. Drain thoroughly (nobody wants soggy balls!) and then chop finely—this step helps the broccoli meld right into the cheesy, crumbly mixture.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine your chopped broccoli with cheddar, breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and you can scoop and shape the mixture in your hands. If it’s too loose, sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
Step 4: Form the Cheese Balls
Scoop out about 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball (a cookie scoop makes quick work of this!) and roll gently between your palms. For that crave-worthy crunch, give each ball a light roll in some extra breadcrumbs before setting it on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange all your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls on the tray, leaving space around each one. Give their tops another quick mist of oil or a little drizzle of olive oil. Bake for 22–25 minutes, being sure to flip them halfway through, until they’re uniformly golden, set, and smell amazing.
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Garnishes
For an inviting platter, try sprinkling your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with extra parmesan, a dusting of freshly chopped parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon. These little extras add color, brightness, and a final layer of fresh flavor that makes a big difference with each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheese balls with a crisp green salad, a warm bowl of tomato soup, or simply put them out alongside other finger foods for a party. They’re fantastic with all kinds of dipping sauces—think ranch, marinara, or a tangy garlic aioli.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, nestle them in little lettuce cups, skewer them as playful hors d’oeuvres, or serve them on a platter with a trio of colorful dips for a restaurant-worthy appetizer spread. Kids especially love tiny forks or toothpicks for dunking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls left over (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re great cold or at room temperature, but taste best when slightly rewarmed.
Freezing
These freeze beautifully at nearly any stage. Shape and freeze them raw, or freeze after baking—simply arrange in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making last-minute snacks a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls onto a baking sheet and warm up in a 350°F oven for around 8–10 minutes (no need to thaw if frozen—just add a few extra minutes). You can also reheat in an air fryer for maximum crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just steam or microwave frozen florets, drain thoroughly, and chop finely. Try to squeeze out excess moisture so your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls don’t turn soggy.
What dipping sauces go best with these cheese balls?
Ranch, marinara, and garlic aioli are all fantastic. For something different, serve with spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy honey mustard—the possibilities are endless.
Are these gluten-free?
If you substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the regular kind, your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls will be completely gluten-free and just as flavorful.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! Try swapping in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for the cheddar. Mixing cheeses can add extra depth and make each batch a little different.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can shape and chill the mixture or even bake the balls a day in advance—just reheat briefly before serving so they regain their crispy exterior and melty center.
Final Thoughts
Give these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls a try the next time you want a snack everyone will cheer for. They’re fun, crave-worthy, and so easy to make ahead—perfect for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself. Enjoy every cheesy, veggie-packed bite!
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and cheesy snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Packed with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, these crispy bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or boil the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain well and chop finely.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Form balls: Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls. Roll each ball lightly in extra breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and set.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- You can make these ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
- Great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
- Substitute panko for a crispier bite or use pre-shredded broccoli slaw for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
