Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are tasty little bites filled with nutritious broccoli and melted cheese. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for a snack or side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for this recipe. It gives a vibrant green color and tasty crunch. If you have frozen broccoli, that works too—just make sure it’s well-drained and chopped!
Cheddar and Mozzarella: I love sharp cheddar for its flavor, while mozzarella adds that melty goodness. If you’re looking for alternatives, try gouda or pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Bread Crumbs: Use regular or panko breadcrumbs for coating. If gluten-free is a priority, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead.
Eggs: They help bind the mixture together. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Broccoli Cheese Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right texture is essential for these cheese balls. Here are my tips for success:
- **Chop Well:** Make sure to finely chop the steamed broccoli so it mixes evenly and binds well with the other ingredients.
- **Not Too Wet:** Drain the broccoli thoroughly after steaming. Excess moisture can lead to mushy balls.
- **Chill the Mixture:** If the mixture feels too loose, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps them hold their shape.
- **Compact Shapes:** When rolling the balls, press them tightly with your hands to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly shaped and deliciously crispy broccoli cheese balls every time!
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for baking, so you can enjoy delicious broccoli cheese balls in around 35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your broccoli cheese balls bake evenly and get crispy. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
Next, steam or blanch the chopped broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Drain well and make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the other ingredients.
3. Make the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (if you’re using it), and chopped parsley. Mix everything together well until it’s fully combined. It should be a sticky mixture.
4. Shape the Balls:
With clean hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a tight ball. Once shaped, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs for a nice crispy coating. Place the formed balls on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Cheese Balls:
Lightly spray the shaped broccoli balls with cooking spray or brush the tops with a little olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a bit of color. These baked broccoli cheese balls are best served warm, and they go wonderfully with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch dressing!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and cheesy broccoli bites!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. A quick blanch or steaming can help reheat it before chopping.
How Can I Make These Cheese Balls Vegan?
To make them vegan, you can substitute the eggs with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Additionally, use dairy-free cheese alternatives to maintain the cheesy flavor.
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli cheese mixture up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping into balls.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
