Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

 Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness and healthy veggies! These bite-sized treats are loaded with tender broccoli, melty cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, all baked to a golden crisp without the need for frying. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a party appetizer, or a tasty way to get more vegetables into your diet, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to please everyone. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and completely customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or dipped in your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
 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.

See also  Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos

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).

See also  Shrimp Stuffed Avocado Boats

Approximate Nutritional Values (per 3 balls):

Calories: 150-200 kcal

Protein: 6-8g

Fat: 10-14g

Saturated fat: 5-7g

Carbohydrates: 12-16g

Fiber: 2-3g

Sugars: 2-3g

Cholesterol: 45-55mg

Sodium: 300-350mg

Calcium: 150-200mg

Iron: 1-2mg