Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful way to sneak in some nutritious veggies while satisfying your cheese cravings. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these cheesy bites are baked to golden perfection for a healthier twist on comfort food. With their crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling, they bring joy to every gathering, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not just tasty; they are a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into your diet. Here are some compelling reasons to love them:
- Healthier Option: These balls are baked, not fried, making them a better choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Kid-Friendly: They are a hit with children, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for family gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you’ll have these cheesy broccoli bites ready in no time.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite spices or veggies, making them versatile.
- Great for Parties: Serve them at your next gathering for a flavorful hit.
- Vegetarian Delight: These balls fit perfectly into a vegetarian diet, allowing for a hearty snack.
Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Gather these items:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
- Optional: pinch of dried dill
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: tiny grating of fresh nutmeg
- Optional: finely diced red bell pepper
- Optional: grated carrot
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- Optional: softened goat cheese
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and trim about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Steam or boil them until tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Chop or mash until it resembles a coarse meal.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the broccoli with your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients if desired.
- Step 3: Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, ensure all ingredients are well combined. Adjust with breadcrumbs or milk as necessary for the right consistency.
- Step 4: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Form the Balls: Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Space them about 1 inch apart on the sheet.
- Step 6: Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Serve Warm: Let the balls cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure broccoli is well-drained to prevent sogginess in your cheese balls.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking down the broccoli too much, maintaining some texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
These cheesy bites can be served in various ways:
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce, such as ranch or sriracha mayo.
- Serve as part of a platter with other appetizers for a festive gathering.
- Enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite main courses.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. These are excellent for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy snacks throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
The key is to ensure that your broccoli is well-drained and to mix the ingredients thoroughly for even consistency. Adding a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor!
Can I make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll them into balls and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
To avoid common mishaps, ensure you don’t overcook the broccoli and check the moisture level in your mixture to get the best texture and flavor.
Variations of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls You Can Try
Here are a few fun twists:
- Add cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture.
- Substitute cream cheese with softened goat cheese for a tangy kick.
- Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or carrots to boost nutrition and color.
These cheesy bites can be served in various ways:
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce, such as ranch or sriracha mayo.
- Serve as part of a platter with other appetizers for a festive gathering.
- Enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite main courses.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: 20 Cheesy Bites to Enjoy
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful way to sneak in some nutritious veggies while satisfying your cheese cravings. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they are baked to golden perfection for a healthier twist on comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
- Optional: pinch of dried dill
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: tiny grating of fresh nutmeg
- Optional: finely diced red bell pepper
- Optional: grated carrot
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- Optional: softened goat cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and trim about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Steam or boil them until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the broccoli thoroughly and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Finely chop the drained broccoli or mash it with a fork until it resembles a coarse meal.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped and well-drained broccoli with your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the egg, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If using any optional additions, add them now.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until they are very well combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add half a tablespoon of milk or another small egg yolk.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Form the Balls: Take about a tablespoon or a small scoop of the broccoli cheese mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a compact ball, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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