A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or serving a side dish to complement your meal, these cheesy bites are sure to please everyone. Packed with nutritious broccoli and bursting with flavor, they offer a unique twist on traditional snacks. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Step 3: Form the Balls
- Step 4: Bake
- Step 5: Serve Warm
- How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- With Dips
- As Finger Food
- Alongside Salads
- In Wraps
- How to Perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Best Side Dishes for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Reheating Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?
- What can I serve with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
- How do I customize Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
- Are Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls suitable for freezing?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The baking process gives these broccoli cheese balls a delightful crunch without the need for frying.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a fun addition to lunchboxes.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these bites provide a healthier alternative to typical cheesy snacks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your baked broccoli cheese balls, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Steamer (or pot for steaming)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents the cheese balls from sticking.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray: This helps in easy removal of the cheese balls once baked.
Ingredients
A crispy, cheesy snack packed with broccoli, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. These baked broccoli cheese balls are easy to make and loaded with flavor.
For the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs (for binding)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning)
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp (about 3-5 minutes). Once done, let them cool slightly before finely chopping them.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using your hands or a spoon, roll small portions of the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place these on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes while watching closely.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving warm. These baked broccoli cheese balls pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or ranch dip. Enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked broccoli cheese balls are a versatile snack that pairs beautifully with a variety of dips and sides. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Dips
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing, marinara adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy goodness.
- Ranch Dressing: The coolness of ranch provides a delicious contrast to the warm, cheesy balls.
- Sour Cream: For a creamy option, serve with sour cream mixed with herbs for added flavor.
As Finger Food
- On Skewers: Thread several baked broccoli cheese balls onto skewers for easy serving at parties.
- Mini Sliders: Place them between small buns with lettuce and tomato for a fun twist on sliders.
Alongside Salads
- Caesar Salad: These cheese balls can add heartiness to a light Caesar salad.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw pairs well with the soft texture of the cheese balls.
In Wraps
- Vegetable Wraps: Add them to wraps filled with fresh veggies and dressing for a quick meal.
- Tortilla Roll-Ups: Roll them up in tortillas with cream cheese and spinach for an easy snack.
How to Perfect Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
To make your baked broccoli cheese balls even better, consider these helpful tips. Each one will ensure they turn out crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide better texture and flavor than frozen.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep your cheese balls light and fluffy.
- Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during baking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming balls; feel free to add more salt or spices as desired.
- Broil for Crispiness: A quick broil at the end gives them an extra crunchy finish without drying out.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked broccoli cheese balls make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some side dishes that pair perfectly with them:
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad balances out the richness of the cheese balls with crisp veggies.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of sweet potato fries contrasts nicely with cheesy flavors while adding crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables enhance your plate’s nutrition and flavor profile.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds texture and makes it more filling.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside for a comforting touch that everyone loves.
- Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed pasta primavera brings freshness and bright colors to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Overcooking broccoli: Steaming your broccoli too long can make it mushy. Aim for tender-crisp to retain texture.
- Using stale breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs can ruin the crunchiness of your balls. Always use fresh breadcrumbs for the best results.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavor. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices to enhance taste.
- Skipping the cooling time: Not allowing the mixture to cool slightly before rolling can make it hard to shape. Give it a few minutes after chopping.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Placing too many balls close together can prevent them from browning evenly. Leave space between each ball on the sheet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. This may soften them slightly.
- Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls that may help you in your cooking journey.
Can I make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready.
What can I serve with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
These delicious bites pair well with marinara sauce or ranch dip, making them perfect as an appetizer or snack.
How do I customize Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
You can add different cheeses like mozzarella or experiment with spices such as cayenne pepper or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Are Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! They freeze well and maintain their taste and texture when reheated properly.
Final Thoughts
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful snack that combines crispy texture with cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli. They are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or side dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this comforting dish!
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional snacks that everyone will love. These cheesy bites combine crispy broccoli with a rich blend of cheddar and Parmesan, creating an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights at home, these baked treats are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp (3-5 minutes), then chop finely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (135g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
