Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a great way to enjoy broccoli while indulging in the cheesy goodness you love. The combination of broccoli and melted cheese creates a deliciously savory bite that is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for meal prep, parties, or as an after-school snack. Plus, baking them ensures that they are light and crispy without all the extra grease from frying. They are simple to make, and you can customize them with your favorite herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 cups of broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup of breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green and tender. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until it forms a thick, cohesive mixture.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-15 balls (depending on size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheese options: Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Parmesan, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Add-ins: For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped onions, spinach, or bell peppers to the mixture.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
Spicy kick: If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the cheese balls on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a microwave for about 30 seconds, but they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

How can I make these broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day before. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze them before baking and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it and remove any excess moisture before chopping and mixing it in.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can make these broccoli cheese balls dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and an egg substitute such as flaxseed meal mixed with water.

Can I fry the broccoli cheese balls instead of baking them?

Yes, if you prefer, you can fry the broccoli cheese balls in a pan with some oil until golden and crispy on the outside. However, baking is a healthier option.

Can I freeze broccoli cheese balls?

Yes, you can freeze the formed, uncooked balls. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the broccoli cheese balls from falling apart?

Make sure you squeeze out any excess moisture from the broccoli after blanching it. Also, using breadcrumbs and eggs will help bind the ingredients together.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella, Gouda, or a mix of different cheeses based on your preference.

Are these broccoli cheese balls low-carb?

While not strictly low-carb, these broccoli cheese balls are relatively low in carbs compared to other fried snacks, especially if you use almond flour or another low-carb breadcrumb alternative.

How do I make these more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, try adding seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or a splash of lemon juice for a bit of zing.

Can these be served as a meal?

Yes, these broccoli cheese balls can be served as a main course, especially when paired with a side salad or a light dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a vegetable-packed snack or appetizer. The crispy texture, savory flavor, and cheesy goodness are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them for a party, as a side dish, or just a quick snack, these easy-to-make cheese balls will satisfy your cravings in the most wholesome way!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer, packed with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings. They are baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and cheesy interior, making them a great way to enjoy veggies in a fun, tasty way. Perfect for meal prep, parties, or after-school snacks!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 12-15 balls
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small balls (about 1-1 ½ inches) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Let the broccoli cheese balls cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese.
Add-ins: Customize with onions, spinach, or bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked balls and bake from frozen when needed.