Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
A crispy, cheesy snack packed with broccoli, Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for any occasion. These delightful bites are not only easy to prepare but also make a fantastic appetizer or side dish. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a rich flavor, while the broccoli adds a nutritious twist. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a family-friendly dish, or just craving a snack, these cheesy balls will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of cheeses and seasonings gives each bite an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as an appetizer at parties, as a side dish with dinner, or enjoy them as a healthy snack throughout the day.
- Kid-Friendly: Sneak in some veggies with these delicious bites that even picky eaters will love.
- Baked Not Fried: Enjoy a healthier version of cheese balls that are baked to perfection without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Steamer (or pot for steaming)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the cheese balls, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly, which helps in achieving the right texture.
- Steamer: Steaming broccoli maintains its nutrients and ensures it’s tender enough to mix easily into the batter.
Ingredients
A crispy, cheesy snack packed with broccoli, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. These baked broccoli cheese balls are easy to make and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 eggs (for binding)
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
– 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
– to taste salt and pepper
– as needed cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3–5 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool before finely chopping.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Form Balls
Roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet evenly spaced apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. If you prefer extra crispiness, broil them for an additional 1–2 minutes but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the baked broccoli cheese balls to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm alongside marinara sauce or ranch dip. Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
These baked broccoli cheese balls make for a delightful snack or appetizer. Their crispy texture and cheesy flavor pair well with various dips and sides, making them versatile for any occasion.
With Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, this dressing complements the cheesy goodness.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.
As Part of a Platter
- Veggie Platter: Serve these bites alongside fresh vegetables for a colorful display.
- Cheese Board: Include your broccoli cheese balls on a cheese platter for an appetizing mix.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair them with cured meats and olives for an elegant touch.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crunch of the salad balances the richness of the cheese balls well.
- Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette complement the savory flavors nicely.
How to Perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
To ensure your baked broccoli cheese balls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh florets provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Ensure Even Chopping: Finely chop the broccoli for uniform cooking and consistent size in each ball.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough texture; overmixing can make them dense.
- Chill Before Baking: Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Watch Them Closely While Broiling: If you choose to broil for extra crispiness, keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked broccoli cheese balls can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to serve alongside.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic complements the cheesy snack beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese balls.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide a hearty addition that pairs well with dips.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms elevate your appetizer spread with more flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a vibrant side full of freshness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings healthy grains into your meal while keeping it nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making baked broccoli cheese balls, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the chopping: Not finely chopping the broccoli can lead to uneven textures. Make sure all florets are chopped small for consistent bites.
- Overloading on cheese: While extra cheese sounds tempting, too much can make the mixture greasy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately may leave your bites bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings before baking.
- Inconsistent ball size: Rolling unevenly sized balls can cause uneven cooking. Aim for uniform 1-inch balls for consistent baking results.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat your oven before placing the broccoli cheese balls inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm; this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about baked broccoli cheese balls:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before chopping.
How do I make baked broccoli cheese balls gluten-free?
Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor.
How can I customize the flavor?
You can add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick, or herbs like parsley and basil for freshness.
What dips pair well with these snacks?
Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are great options. You could also try hummus or yogurt-based dips!
Final Thoughts
Baked broccoli cheese balls are not only a delicious snack but also versatile enough to fit into many meals. They’re perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch option. Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or spices to make them truly yours!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful, crispy snack that combines the richness of cheddar and Parmesan with nutritious broccoli, making them perfect for any gathering. These easy-to-make bites are not only a hit with kids but also serve as a fantastic appetizer or side dish for adults. Baked instead of fried, they offer a healthier option without losing flavor. Serve them warm alongside marinara sauce or ranch dressing for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp (about 3–5 minutes), then cool and chop finely.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (75g)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
