Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked broccoli cheese balls are the ideal fusion of nutritious vegetables and cheesy, savory delight! Tender broccoli, melted cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs abound in these little morsels, which are baked to a golden brown without frying. These broccoli cheese balls are sure to please everyone, whether you’re searching for a tasty method to increase your intake of vegetables or a fun snack or party starter. They are simple to prepare, suitable for children, and entirely customizable with your preferred cheeses and seasonings. Savor them right out of the oven or, for an added taste boost, dip them in your preferred sauce!
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-35 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen, cook according to the package instructions.
Once tender, chop the broccoli finely or pulse in a food processor until it’s finely minced. You want small, bite-sized pieces for the balls.
3. Make the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the minced broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but moist enough to form balls. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a little more egg to bind it together.
4. Form the Balls:
Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out evenly.
5. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
You can flip them halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
6. Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a spicy mayo if desired.
Tips:
Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the cheddar with mozzarella, Gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
For Extra Crispy Balls: If you want them extra crispy, you can lightly spray them with olive oil before baking or even broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Make Ahead: These can be prepped ahead of time. After forming the balls, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to an hour before baking, or freeze them for later use (bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time).