Easy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: Bite-Sized Veggie Delights

These crispy broccoli cheese balls offer a delightful twist on snacking that’ll make you smile.

Packed with vibrant green florets and melty cheese, they transform ordinary vegetables into something magical.

Small hands and big appetites alike will devour these golden-brown morsels faster than you can plate them.

Crunchy exteriors give way to soft, cheesy interiors that burst with flavor in each bite.

Most ingredients likely sit right in your refrigerator, waiting to become something extraordinary.

Kids might not even realize they’re munching on nutritious vegetables hidden inside these irresistible spheres.

Dive right in and watch everyone reach for seconds!

FAQs

• Are broccoli cheese balls healthy?

These bite-sized snacks offer nutritional benefits from broccoli’s vitamins and minerals, and provide protein from cheese and eggs. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried appetizers.

• Can I make broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked balls for up to a month.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are ideal, offering sharp flavor and good melting properties. Sharp cheddar provides more intense taste, while mild cheddar works for less pronounced cheese flavor.

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

Ensure chopped broccoli is well-drained and not too wet. Use enough breadcrumbs to bind ingredients, and make sure to mix thoroughly. Refrigerating the mixture for 15 minutes before forming balls can also help them hold together better.

Reasons to Love Broccoli Cheese Balls

Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these broccoli cheese balls in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snack cravings.

Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love these bite-sized treats that cleverly disguise nutritious broccoli in a cheesy, crispy package that’s impossible to resist.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack – these balls work perfectly for game nights, potlucks, or casual family dinners with minimal fuss.

Healthy Twist on Comfort Food: Pack in vegetables and protein while satisfying comfort food cravings, creating a guilt-free alternative to traditional fried cheese snacks.

Broccoli Cheese Balls – What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Adds fresh, green flavor and nutrition to the cheese balls.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, creamy cheesy taste and helps bind the mixture.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps hold the cheese balls together; choose fresh breadcrumbs for best texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic spices; use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy golden exterior when sprayed or brushed on the cheese balls.

• Ranch Dressing, Marinara Sauce, Garlic Aioli: Provides complementary dipping options for extra flavor.

Broccoli Cheese Ball Prep in Quick Steps

Step 1: Warm up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Finely chopped broccoli
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Whisked eggs

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything together until it becomes a magical, clingy mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Tasty Morsels

Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mix and roll it into perfect little balls.

If the mixture feels too wet, shake in some extra breadcrumbs.

Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs to create an irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the balls on your prepared baking sheet.

Give them a light spritz of olive oil to help them achieve that gorgeous golden crunch.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re beautifully bronzed and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull them out of the oven and let them cool for a moment.

Serve these hot little flavor bombs with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli are all fantastic options.

Golden Tips for Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Quick Tips
• Add extra breadcrumbs gradually if mixture seems too wet, ensuring balls hold together perfectly during baking.
• Spray or brush olive oil on top before baking to create a golden, crunchy exterior that adds incredible texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for better melting and richer flavor profile.
• Experiment with different herbs like dried basil, thyme, or parsley to introduce exciting flavor variations that complement the broccoli.
• Prepare balls in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep super convenient for busy days.

Save Broccoli Cheese Balls Leftovers

• Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated balls at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Quick reheat works best in short 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintaining texture.

What Works with Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Dip into Deliciousness: Pair these crispy broccoli cheese balls with cool, tangy ranch dressing for the ultimate flavor explosion.
• Sip and Savor: Complement the cheesy bites with a crisp, light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale that cuts through the richness.
• Mediterranean Match-Up: Serve alongside a zesty marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist that enhances the cheesy, herbal notes.
• Party Pleaser Combo: Create a mini appetizer spread by adding a fresh, herbal green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the indulgent cheese balls.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Ingredient Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with ground almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to help bind ingredients together.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water. Add extra herbs like chives or parsley to enhance flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground cauliflower. Use additional cheese to maintain texture and binding properties.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace regular cheeses with high-fat options like cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Use almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs and add extra spices for depth.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy broccoli cheese balls deliver a mouthwatering fusion of wholesome greens and melted cheese in every delightful bite. Perfectly golden and irresistibly crunchy, you can savor these delectable appetizers that promise a crowd-pleasing experience for snack enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Broccoli Cheese Balls Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and finely chopped broccoli (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• Olive oil or cooking spray for baking

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base by gathering all fresh ingredients, ensuring broccoli is finely chopped and excess moisture is removed using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Combine broccoli with shredded cheese varieties, creating a cohesive mixture that will bind effectively during cooking.
3. Incorporate breadcrumbs, eggs, and aromatic seasonings like garlic powder and paprika to enhance the overall taste profile.
4. Gently fold ingredients together, maintaining a consistent texture that allows easy ball formation without becoming too dense or crumbly.
5. Shape the mixture into uniform spherical portions, using light pressure to compact ingredients without overworking the mixture.
6. Roll each formed ball through additional breadcrumbs, creating a delicate exterior that will crisp beautifully during baking.
7. Arrange the prepared cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring sufficient spacing to promote even heat circulation.
8. Lightly mist or brush the balls with olive oil to encourage golden browning and enhance exterior crispness.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F, rotating the tray midway to ensure uniform cooking and achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior.
10. Allow the broccoli cheese balls to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps them maintain structural integrity.
11. Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces like tangy ranch or zesty marinara for an appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is finely chopped and well-drained to prevent soggy balls, which could make the texture less appealing.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy exterior.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that complement the broccoli’s earthy taste.
• Prepare these balls ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute appetizers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg