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

Scale

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

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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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 balls
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg