Go Back
To make these tasty baked broccoli cheese balls, you need: - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray These ingredients create a great mix of flavors and textures. You will love the cheesy goodness paired with the healthy broccoli. You can add more flavor with optional seasonings like: - 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat These seasonings give the cheese balls a unique twist. Feel free to get creative and use your favorites! If you need substitutions, here are some ideas: - Use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained, instead of fresh. - Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Gouda for a different taste. - Try almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. These ideas help you customize the recipe to fit your needs. Remember, cooking should always be fun and flexible, so feel free to experiment! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the cheese balls cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the balls from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following: - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything until well combined. It should look colorful and smell great. Now, using your hands, form the mixture into small balls that are about 1-2 inches wide. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. This helps them cook well. Before baking, lightly spray the balls with olive oil. This step is key for getting a crisp outer layer. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, turn the balls for even cooking. They should become golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end. Ovens can vary, so adjust the time as needed. Once they are done baking, remove the cheese balls from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. For a nice presentation, arrange the baked cheese balls on a platter. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a great touch of color. For the complete recipe details, refer to the Full Recipe. To make your baked broccoli cheese balls crisp, use a few simple tricks. First, ensure you chop the broccoli finely. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. Next, don’t skip the olive oil spray. It adds moisture and helps with browning. Bake them at the right temperature, 400°F (200°C). This high heat gives you that perfect crunch. Turn the balls halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness. You can easily change the flavor of your cheese balls. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes. For a savory kick, try adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also mix different cheeses. Mozzarella, gouda, or even feta can change the taste. Just keep the ratio similar to the recipe for best results. Avoid these common mistakes to make perfect cheese balls. First, don’t overmix the ingredients. This can make the balls tough. Second, check your oven temperature; an inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt balls. Lastly, don’t skip cooling time after baking. Letting them sit for a few minutes helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Following these tips will help you enjoy every bite of your baked broccoli cheese balls. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your broccoli balls. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Feta adds a sharp flavor, while gouda offers a smoky taste. Each cheese brings its own fun twist. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Why stop at broccoli? Feel free to add other veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just chop them small and mix them in. This way, you can sneak in more healthy goodness! Want a vegan version? No problem! Swap the eggs for flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based cheese for that cheesy feel. Whole wheat breadcrumbs can still hold everything together. These changes keep your snack tasty and plant-based. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! You can keep baked broccoli cheese balls at room temperature for about two hours. If you plan to eat them soon, just place them on a plate. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Avoid letting them sit out longer. Bacteria can grow if food is left out too long. For longer storage, place the cheese balls in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This method helps maintain their taste and texture. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them. Microwaving is quick, but an oven will keep them crispier. You can also freeze baked broccoli cheese balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again. For the best results, do not thaw before reheating. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! You can serve these cheese balls with many tasty dips. Marinara sauce pairs well. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. For a fresh twist, try a yogurt dip. You can also add a side salad for a fun meal. Kids love them with ketchup, too! Yes, you can prepare these cheese balls in advance. Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and store in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for longer. Just bake them straight from the freezer. Adjust the baking time as needed. You will know the cheese balls are done when they turn golden brown. They should feel firm to the touch. A little crisp on the outside means they are ready. If you want, use a food thermometer. The internal temp should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through. Enjoy your delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! This article covers all you need to make tasty baked broccoli cheese balls. We discussed key ingredients, optional seasonings, and smart substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guide you from prep to baking. I shared tips for crispiness and adjusting flavors while avoiding common mistakes. You also learned about fun variations and essential storage tips. With these insights, you can create a delicious dish that impresses. Enjoy cooking these cheese balls, and don’t hesitate to experiment!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Looking for a delicious way to sneak veggies into your snacking routine? Try these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls—a tasty, crispy, and cheesy treat that's perfect for any occasion! This recipe shares easy steps, helpful tips, and creative variations to customize your cheese balls just the way you like them. Don't miss out on making this fun and healthy snack; click through to explore the full recipe and wow your taste buds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.

      Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

        Lightly spray the balls with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

            Remove the cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the baked cheese balls on a platter and serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of color.