If you’re on the lookout for a fun, tasty, and totally irresistible way to enjoy your veggies, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are your new best friend! Picture this: perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the goodness of broccoli and melted cheese in every bite. They’re the ultimate snack or side dish, and trust me, they’ll vanish off the plate faster than you can say “delicious.”

These little bites are a game-changer—simple, flavorful, and so much fun to eat. Whether you’re sneaking in some extra veggies for the kiddos or indulging in a snack that hits all the right spots, these broccoli cheese balls are the answer.

Why You’ll Love Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Healthy Yet Delicious: Packed with broccoli, these cheese balls are a fun way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter option!

Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese in every bite is irresistible. It pairs perfectly with the broccoli, creating the ultimate flavor combo.

Perfectly Crispy: Thanks to baking, these cheese balls get wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. The perfect texture!

Great for Meal Prep: These are a fantastic make-ahead option. You can bake a batch and store them for a quick snack or side dish throughout the week.

Kid-Friendly: They’re a hit with kids (and adults alike), making it easier to get everyone to enjoy their greens without a fuss.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

You won’t believe how easy these are to make with just a few simple ingredients:

• Broccoli – Fresh or frozen, this is the star of the show. It’s nutritious, packed with flavor, and the perfect base for these cheese balls.
• Shredded Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend—choose your favorite! The cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the broccoli.
• Breadcrumbs – These help bind everything together and create that crispy outside texture when baked.
• Egg – The binder that holds everything together and gives the cheese balls their soft, cohesive texture.
• Garlic Powder – For a little extra flavor. It pairs perfectly with the cheese and broccoli.
• Onion Powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the mix.
• Salt and Pepper – To season and bring out the best in the ingredients.
• Olive Oil – For drizzling over the top to help them crisp up nicely.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner! Here’s how to get them just right:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by steaming or boiling the broccoli until it’s tender. Once cooked, chop it finely or pulse it a few times in a food processor until it’s in small, bite-sized pieces. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy balls!

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to form into balls.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Using your hands, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up, forming around 12-15 balls.

Step 4: Bake the Broccoli Cheese Balls

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the broccoli cheese balls on the baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness, then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the broccoli cheese balls cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce (think ranch, marinara, or a spicy sriracha mayo).

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 12g
  (Note: approximate values, depending on ingredients used)

How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

These crispy, cheesy balls are versatile and can be served in many ways! Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:

• With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese balls.
• As a Snack: These make a great snack on their own, paired with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with any main dish—grilled chicken, pasta, or even as a vegetarian meal with a side of quinoa.
• With Dipping Sauces: Get creative with dipping sauces! Try a tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or even some sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it tender, but not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will make the balls too soft to hold together.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure evenly sized balls, use a cookie scoop to measure out the mixture.
• Make-Ahead: You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked broccoli cheese balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before using it.

2 Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, gouda, or even parmesan would all work great in these cheese balls.

3 Can I bake these without breadcrumbs?
You could use crushed crackers, panko, or even a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative for a different texture.

4 Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mixture, form the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

5 How can I make these more crispy?
Spray the broccoli cheese balls with a little cooking spray or drizzle them with a bit more olive oil before baking.

6 How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy!

7 Can I fry these instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry them in hot oil, but baking gives them a healthier, less greasy texture.

8 Can I use egg substitute for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute to make these vegan.

9 Can I add more vegetables to these balls?
Absolutely! Finely chopped spinach, cauliflower, or zucchini would make great additions.

10 Can I freeze the baked broccoli cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked balls. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and reheat them in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect snack or side dish when you want something that’s both healthy and cheesy. These little bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel good about getting in some extra veggies!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer, made with tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and breadcrumbs, all baked to perfection. They offer a great balance of flavor and texture, making them a hit for any occasion.

• Author: Grace Sullivan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the broccoli cheese balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara, for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the cheese balls for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
• You can freeze these before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg