Description
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are savory morsels featuring finely chopped steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and a delicate blend of seasonings. This recipe combines everything with breadcrumbs and eggs for perfect cohesion, rolling the mixture into bite-size balls. Oven-baked for a crispy golden exterior, they are a wholesome snack, appetizer, or side dish, appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli until it resembles coarse rice.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the mixture sticks together, adding more breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
- Let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free balls, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Cheddar can be replaced with mozzarella or Gouda for a milder flavor. Make ahead by shaping and refrigerating unbaked balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftover baked balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months; reheat at 350°F until warm. If balls are too soft, add extra breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of milk helps. Ensure broccoli is well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American