Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, combining tender broccoli with a blend of cheeses and spices, baked to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re perfect for any occasion and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, then chop them finely to prepare for the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the finely chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked balls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dips such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- The broccoli should be steamed just until tender-crisp to maintain some texture and flavor.
- Using freshly shredded cheese will melt better than pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- You can prepare the balls ahead of time and freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, marinara, or a spicy mustard for added flavor.
