I’ll never forget the first time I made these baked broccoli cheese balls. My kids were giving me that skeptical look they reserve for anything green on their plates, but one bite and they were hooked! These little golden nuggets of goodness are my secret weapon for getting veggies into my family without complaints. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and packed with broccoli goodness.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. These baked broccoli cheese balls work as after-school snacks, party appetizers, or even as a fun side dish. They’re so easy to make, and you can prep them ahead of time – perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and healthy. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you get all that crispy, cheesy goodness without the guilt!
My trick for extra flavor is to use really sharp cheddar cheese – it gives these little bites a wonderful tang that balances perfectly with the mild broccoli. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why these little cheesy bites are going to become your new favorite snack!
- Super quick to make – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Kid-approved veggies – My picky eaters actually ask for these!
- Healthy but delicious – Packed with broccoli but taste like cheesy goodness.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and freeze for later.
- Lunchbox superstars – They stay great at room temp for school lunches.
- Party pleaser – Always the first to disappear at gatherings!
I love keeping a stash in my freezer for those days when I need something fast and satisfying. They’re way better than any store-bought snack!
Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need:
- 2 cups broccoli florets – fresh or frozen, but make sure to finely chop them
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I prefer panko for extra crispiness
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – get the good sharp kind, it makes a difference!
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff, not the powdery kind in a can
- 1 large egg – this helps bind everything together
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that little kick of flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste, I usually do about 1/4 teaspoon of each
- Cooking spray or olive oil – just a light coating for that perfect crisp
That’s it! Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can even use crushed crackers in a pinch – I’ve done it with Ritz before and they turned out great!
Equipment Needed for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
You won’t need anything fancy for these cheesy bites! Just grab:
- A good baking sheet – I love my half-sheet pan for this
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze!
- A mixing bowl – any size will do
- A box grater – for the cheese if you’re grating your own
- An air fryer – totally optional but gives great results if you have one
That’s really all you need! I’ve even mixed these up with just a fork when I didn’t want to dirty my wooden spoon. Easy peasy!
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I always say this is the most important step – don’t skip it! While that’s heating up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier!
Now, let’s make our cheesy broccoli magic happen. Start by steaming your broccoli until it’s nice and tender. You don’t want it mushy, just soft enough to chop easily. Once it’s done, drain it really well – I like to press it with a paper towel to get all the extra moisture out. Nobody likes soggy cheese balls!
In a big bowl, mix together your chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheeses, egg, and seasonings. Use your hands for this part – it’s messy but worth it! You want everything evenly combined so each bite has that perfect cheesy broccoli flavor. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze it, but not be too wet.
Here comes the fun part – shaping! Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. If it’s not sticking together, add a tiny bit more egg. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Give them a quick spray with cooking oil – this is what makes them get all crispy and golden in the oven.
Pop them in the oven for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color on the outside. When they’re done, let them cool for just a minute or two before serving – they’ll be hot and cheesy inside!
Preparing the Broccoli
Steam or blanch your broccoli florets for just 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy. Drain them really well in a colander, then give them a few good presses with a paper towel to remove all the extra moisture. You want them dry so your cheese balls aren’t soggy!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a big bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, both cheeses, the egg, and all your seasonings. I find using my hands works best here – just dive in and mix until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze it but not be too wet or sticky.
Shaping and Baking
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into nice, round balls between your palms. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Give the tops a quick spray with cooking oil – this helps them get crispy! Bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and delicious-looking.
Tips for Perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Oh, I’ve got some great tricks to make these even better! If you want them extra crispy, try using an air fryer – they come out amazing! For a flavor boost, mix in some cooked bacon bits or a pinch of smoked paprika. You can make these ahead and freeze them before baking – just add a couple minutes to the cooking time. They reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer too! My kids love them with a side of ranch for dipping.
Variations for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Oh, these are so versatile! For a keto version, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour – they turn out great! If you’re watching calories, use low-fat cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs. I’ve even made them with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick! You can add cooked quinoa for extra protein too. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
These little cheesy bites are perfect with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping! I love serving them with a side of crisp apple slices for lunchboxes. For parties, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks – they’ll disappear fast! They’re also great alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll keep for up to 3 days! To reheat, just pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until crispy again. You can also freeze them before or after baking – they’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen!
Nutritional Information for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Each delicious cheesy broccoli ball has about 80 calories, with 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 5g of carbs. They’re a pretty balanced snack! Remember, these are just estimates since exact amounts can vary based on specific ingredients and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Oh, I get so many questions about these cheesy little bites! Let me answer some of the most common ones for you.
Can I make these without egg? Absolutely! I’ve used a flaxseed meal mixture as a binder before, and it works great. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
How do I keep them crispy? The key is that light coating of oil before baking. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet – give them space to crisp up! If you’re reheating, use the oven or air fryer, not the microwave, to keep that perfect texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli? You sure can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the extra moisture. I actually keep frozen broccoli on hand just for making these cheesy broccoli bites whenever the craving hits!
What other cheeses work well? Oh, I’ve experimented with so many! Pepper jack gives a nice spicy kick. Mozzarella makes them extra gooey. Even a little blue cheese mixed in is amazing if you like that flavor. The sharp cheddar is my favorite, but don’t be afraid to play around with different cheeses!
Share Your Thoughts
I’d love to hear how your broccoli cheese balls turned out! Leave a comment or tag me in your kitchen adventures – let’s chat about these cheesy little bites!
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Irresistible 30-Minute Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy snacks made with broccoli, cheddar, and breadcrumbs. Perfect for healthy snacking or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain well and finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can use an air fryer for a quicker cooking time.
- For a Weight Watchers version, use low-fat cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- To make without egg, use a flaxseed meal mixture as a binder.
- Add bacon bits for extra flavor.
- For a keto version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
