Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty treat that combines crispy outside with a cheesy, veggie-filled inside. They’re perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
These little bites are fun to make—who doesn’t love mixing cheese and broccoli? I like to serve them with a dip for an extra kick. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is a must for the best flavor and texture. However, if you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives great flavor, but you can mix it up! Try mozzarella for a milder taste, or even feta for a tangy kick. Dairy-free cheese options are available if you’re lactose intolerant.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crunch! If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats instead.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the mixture together. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture?
A key step is making sure your mixture holds together well but isn’t too wet. Always remember to dry your blanched broccoli thoroughly! Too much moisture can make your balls soggy instead of crispy.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for no more than 2 minutes. Stop the cooking immediately.
- Use kitchen towels to squeeze out excess water from the broccoli.
- Mix all ingredients well until sticky, but don’t overwork it.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy and cheesy broccoli balls that everyone will love! Enjoy the cooking process!
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broccoli Balls:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking, totaling around 40-45 minutes. The result is a delicious batch of cheesy bites that are sure to be a hit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing with cooking spray.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chopped broccoli. Cook for about 2 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender. Quickly drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to pat it dry with kitchen towels to remove any excess moisture!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, optional onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and starts to stick together.
4. Add the Eggs:
Beat the eggs in a small bowl and then add them to the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine until the mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
5. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Make sure they’re packed tightly so they hold together during cooking.
6. Coat the Balls:
Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to coat them fully. This will help them achieve that golden crispy exterior that everyone loves!
7. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the coated broccoli balls on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little spray or brush with olive oil or cooking spray to help with browning.
8. Bake:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. They are best when served warm as an appetizer or side dish.
10. Enjoy!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy baked broccoli balls! They are fantastic when served with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy aioli. Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and thoroughly drain any excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli balls and refrigerate them before baking. Just shape them into balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the fridge—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Dips Pair Well With These Balls?
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Popular choices include ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a zesty spicy aioli for an extra kick.
