Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Deliciously crispy and cheesy broccoli cheese balls baked to perfection. This easy appetizer combines tender broccoli with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, coated lightly with breadcrumbs for a golden crust. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a wholesome side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 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
For Baking
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water, then finely chop to mix easily.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the mixture is cohesive and holds together when formed.
- Form Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a compact ball. Arrange these evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Coat Surface: Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or a small drizzle of olive oil. This helps achieve a crispy, golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake the balls for 18-20 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy, ensuring the cheese inside is melted and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the broccoli very well to avoid soggy cheese balls.
- Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- You can add finely diced onions or herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- Allow the mixture to chill for 20 minutes before forming balls if it’s too soft to handle.
- These can also be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, baked broccoli appetizer, cheesy broccoli bites, party snacks, vegetarian appetizer
Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/broccoli-cheese-balls-recipe/
