Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are little bites of joy! Made with fresh broccoli, gooey cheese, and simple spices, these snacks are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy treat.
They’re great as a party snack or just for munching on while watching TV. I love making these ahead of time and popping them in the oven for a warm and cheesy surprise! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star here! You can also use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the balls.
Cheddar cheese: A classic choice for its sharp flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, try Monterey Jack or even Pepper Jack for some heat!
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice depth. If you don’t have it, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option that gives a cheesy flavor.
Bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs work well, but you can use panko for extra crunch! Gluten-free bread crumbs are also available if you’re avoiding gluten.
Eggs: They help bind everything together. If you need an egg substitute, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes).
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Broccoli for This Recipe?
Blanching broccoli is crucial to keep those vibrant colors and a tender texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring water to a rolling boil. Add broccoli florets.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes; it should be bright green and slightly tender.
- Quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath (cold water) to stop cooking. This helps in keeping the crunch!
After cooling, gently squeeze out excess water before mixing the broccoli with other ingredients. This prevents soggy cheese balls!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mix:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Baking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
- Optional: ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20-25 minutes for baking, totaling about 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a delicious snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help the cheese balls not to stick.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the finely chopped broccoli and blanch it for 2-3 minutes. You want it to be tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and let it cool for a bit. This step helps keep the bright color and makes the broccoli softer for mixing!
3. Mix Ingredients Together:
In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined. You can use a spoon or your hands—get in there!
4. Form the Balls:
Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Make sure they are packed together well so they hold their shape.
5. Coat the Balls:
Roll each ball in the extra breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This will give them a nice, crunchy texture once baked.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated broccoli balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out slightly. This helps them bake evenly and get crispy all around.
7. Baking Time:
Lightly spray or brush the tops with some cooking spray or olive oil to encourage a golden and crispy finish. Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with ranch or any dipping sauce you love. Enjoy your delicious snack!
These crispy, cheesy baked broccoli balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly before chopping and mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the balls from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Cheese Balls Gluten-Free?
To make these broccoli cheese balls gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores or make your own from gluten-free bread.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add an extra minute or two to the baking time if they are chilled.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
