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