Imagine biting into a crispy, golden ball that bursts with cheesy goodness and the delightful crunch of broccoli. These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not just a dish; they’re an experience, a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. crispy Parmesan artichoke hearts perfect side dish for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a cozy night in, these little gems will surely steal the show. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy taco rice recipe recipe.
I remember the first time I made these delightful bites. My friends were skeptical at first—broccoli in a ball? But as soon as they popped one in their mouths, all doubts vanished. Laughter filled the kitchen as they devoured every last morsel, insisting I share the recipe. Now, I make these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls for every gathering—trust me; they’re always a hit! For more inspiration, check out this creamy avocado grilled cheese recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are easy to prepare and perfect for both snacking and entertaining
- Their cheesy flavor combined with nutritious broccoli makes them irresistible
- Visually appealing with their golden crust, they look stunning on any platter
- They’re versatile too; serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course!
I once brought these to a potluck, and my friends practically chased me down for the recipe—talk about a crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets for the best flavor and nutrition; frozen works too if you’re short on time.
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Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its meltiness and sharp flavor; feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or Parmesan.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to add texture; panko gives an extra crunch if you want to wow your guests.
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Eggs: These act as a binding agent; use large eggs for optimal consistency when mixing your ingredients.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth of flavor; fresh garlic can also work if you prefer that punchy taste.
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Onion Powder: This adds sweetness and complexity; it’s like a secret ingredient waiting to be discovered! a sweet treat like Blueberry Muffin Cookies.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp here—good seasoning elevates everything!
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Olive Oil Spray: For that beautiful golden color without adding too much fat while baking; trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Broccoli: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, steam or boil your broccoli until tender but still bright green—about 5 minutes should do it.
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined—don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
Form Those Balls!: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop), form small balls from the mixture. Aim for golf-ball size so they cook evenly and remain bite-sized.
Prepare for Baking!: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a light spray of olive oil to help achieve that perfect golden crust.
Bake Away!: Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Serve & Enjoy!: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or even ranch dressing—yum!
There you have it! A simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Get ready to enjoy your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls—they’ll vanish faster than you can say “seconds!”
You Must Know
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful, healthier alternative to fried snacks
- The combination of crispy outside and cheesy inside makes them irresistible
- Perfect for parties or a fun weeknight dinner, they are easy to prepare with just a few ingredients
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, bake your broccoli cheese balls at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside.
Add Your Touch
Customize your baked broccoli cheese balls by adding spices like garlic powder or swapping cheddar for mozzarella. You can also mix in diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your broccoli cheese balls hold together, avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should remain slightly firm
- Use cold cheese—this helps maintain shape during baking
- Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness
Cooking these baked broccoli cheese balls reminds me of family gatherings where my kids would sneak in bites before they even reached the table. Their laughter filled the kitchen, making each moment special.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for baked broccoli cheese balls?
Yes, but remember to thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing.
How can I make these vegan-friendly?
Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
What dips pair well with baked broccoli cheese balls?
pair with Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets.
Ranch or marinara sauce complements these tasty bites perfectly; enjoy!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a crispy, golden delight that combines cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli in these irresistible Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam or boil the chopped broccoli until tender yet bright green, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the steamed broccoli with cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form small balls from the mixture using your hands or an ice cream scoop—aim for golf-ball size.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
