Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Try These Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe Today

Crispy golden baked broccoli cheese balls spark joy with every delightful bite.

Savory ingredients blend perfectly in this simple comfort food.

Cheese melts beautifully around tender green florets, creating irresistible appetizer magic.

Smart home cooks appreciate how quickly these little morsels come together.

Kids and adults alike devour these cheesy treats with enthusiasm.

Experiment with different cheese varieties to make the recipe uniquely yours.

One taste will have everyone asking for seconds of these delectable, protein-packed spheres.

Creative Variations for Broccoli Cheese Balls

  • Spicy Kick Balls: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Balls: Mix in cooked quinoa or finely chopped chicken to increase protein content and create a more substantial snack.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Goes Well with Broccoli Cheese Balls

  • Pair with Zesty Ranch Dressing: Complement the cheesy broccoli balls with cool, tangy ranch dressing that cuts through the richness and adds a creamy texture.
  • Serve Alongside Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity to balance the cheesy, savory flavor of the broccoli balls.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to contrast the warm, cheesy appetizer and add nutritional balance.
  • Enhance with Marinara Dipping Sauce: Introduce a classic Italian-style tomato sauce with herbs that provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich cheese and broccoli combination.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheese Balls

Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread frozen or refrigerated balls on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy, turning halfway for even heating.

Place balls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Best used when you need a quick warm-up, though texture might be slightly less crisp.

FAQs

  • Are these broccoli cheese balls healthy?

They’re a nutritious snack packed with vegetables, protein from eggs and cheese, and lower in calories compared to deep-fried alternatives. Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier option.

  • Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This will help maintain the texture while making the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

  • What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Parmesan are recommended, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or monterey jack. Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls to Savor

  • Savor Vegetable Magic: Transform ordinary broccoli into crunchy, cheesy bites that kids and adults will love.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: Prepare these delightful balls in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknight cooking or last-minute appetizers.
  • Nutritious Comfort Food: Pack in vegetables and protein while enjoying a crowd-pleasing snack that feels indulgent yet healthy.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Great for game day, potlucks, movie nights, or as a side dish that impresses guests without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds a fresh, earthy flavor and provides a hearty base for the cheese balls.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a rich, tangy taste in the recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds depth and a savory complexity to the broccoli cheese balls.
For the Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Work together to help bind the ingredients and create a crispy, cohesive texture for the cheese balls.
For the Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile and adds aromatic depth to the broccoli cheese balls.

How to Bake Broccoli Cheese Balls

How to Bake Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, giving it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Goodness

Steam or quickly blanch your broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. Chop them into tiny pieces.

If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

Gather your ingredients:
  • Chopped broccoli
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Oregano

Toss everything into a mixing bowl and blend until the ingredients become best friends.

Step 4: Shape the Delightful Morsels

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into perfect little balls. Arrange them carefully on your prepared baking sheet, giving each bite some personal space.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the bites turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool down just a bit. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, zesty marinara, or cool sour cream.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Pro Tips for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

  • Remove excess moisture from broccoli to prevent soggy cheese balls and ensure a crispy exterior.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like basil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • If mixture seems too loose, add extra breadcrumbs or chill for 15 minutes to help balls hold together during baking.
  • Prepare and freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
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Description

Cheesy broccoli dreams come alive in these crispy baked broccoli cheese balls, packed with wholesome goodness and irresistible flavor. Perfectly golden and crunchy, these delightful bites offer you a healthier twist on classic comfort food that will satisfy both nutrition and taste cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Transform broccoli by steaming or blanching fresh florets for 2 minutes, then meticulously chop into fine pieces. For frozen broccoli, thoroughly drain and finely dice.
  3. Create a flavor-packed mixture by combining chopped broccoli with cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients until uniformly distributed.
  4. Craft uniform balls by scooping approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and rolling between palms. Arrange spheres evenly across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until exterior turns golden brown and develops a crispy texture.
  6. Allow broccoli cheese balls to cool momentarily after removing from oven. Present alongside complementary dipping sauces like ranch dressing, marinara, or sour cream for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

  • Squeeze out excess water from chopped broccoli using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy cheese balls.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, Swiss, or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with ground almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Prepare and shape balls in advance, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for quick future cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 103 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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