Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: Family-Friendly Bites

Baked broccoli cheese balls bring comfort and nutrition to your plate with a crispy, golden exterior that promises delightful flavor.

These compact spheres reimagine a classic vegetable into an irresistible snack that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and zesty seasoning, each ball delivers a satisfying blend of texture and taste.

Healthy eating never felt so indulgent when you bite into these crisp, cheesy morsels that elevate simple vegetables into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when fresh ingredients merge with smart cooking techniques, creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Light, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive, these baked treats redefine what a nutritious appetizer can be.

Prepare to reimagine your meal with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What You’ll Need to Make These Cheesy Bites

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that forms the base of the recipe, providing nutritional value and texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, melty cheeses that add rich flavor and help bind the balls together.

• Eggs: Crucial binding agent that helps hold the mixture together and provides structure.
• Breadcrumbs: Dry ingredient that helps absorb moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
• Flour: Helps to further bind ingredients and improve texture.

• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor with mild, aromatic garlic notes.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet onion undertones to enhance overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavor profile of the cheese balls.

How to Bake Broccoli Balls Without the Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.

Step 2: Cook and Chop Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until they’re tender yet slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Cool completely, then finely chop using a knife or food processor.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir ingredients until thoroughly blended.

Step 4: Shape Cheese Balls

Roll the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden exterior and firm texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow cheese balls to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls You’ll Want on Repeat

• Cheesy Veggie Power Bites: Packed with broccoli and two types of cheese, these balls deliver a nutritious punch that transforms a humble vegetable into an irresistible snack.
• Super Simple Preparation: With just basic kitchen tools and minimal chopping, anyone can whip up these delightful bites in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy home cooks or kitchen newbies.
• Texture Sensation: Crispy golden exterior gives way to a soft, melty interior that creates an exciting contrast between crunch and creaminess, ensuring every bite is a delicious adventure.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or protein-packed snack that appeals to both kids and adults, these broccoli cheese balls can elevate any meal or party spread with minimal effort.

Tips for a Crispy Outside and Cheesy Middle

• Chop Broccoli Finely: Use a food processor for uniform, small pieces that bind better and create a smoother texture in your cheese balls.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: After steaming broccoli, drain and pat dry thoroughly to prevent soggy balls that won't hold their shape.
• Don't Overwork Mixture: Mix ingredients gently to keep the texture light and prevent dense, tough cheese balls.
• Space Evenly on Baking Sheet: Leave small gaps between balls to ensure even browning and crispy exterior on all sides.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let cheese balls rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to set their structure and prevent burning your mouth.

Best Way to Keep Them Crispy After Baking

• Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container. Carefully place them in a single layer, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicious bites will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooled cheese balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They'll keep well for about 1-2 months, ready for a quick meal or snack.
• Reheating: Bring back that crispy, cheesy goodness by warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave to maintain their perfect texture and prevent soggy bottoms. Enjoy them hot and fresh, just like they came straight from the oven!

Great Dips and Drinks to Pair With Them

• Craft a Zesty Dipping Experience: Pair these broccoli cheese balls with a tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for an explosion of complementary flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy texture of the balls and add a refreshing contrast.
• Pour the Perfect Beverage Match: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold craft beer with hoppy notes to cut through the cheese's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Design a Complete Meal Combo: Transform these balls into a protein-packed appetizer or side dish by pairing with grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a satisfying and nutritious meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Different Flavors to Mix Into These Cheese Balls

• Spicy Cheesy Broccoli Bites: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a zesty appetizer.
• Mediterranean Herb Broccoli Spheres: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and crumbled feta cheese to give these balls a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Green Nuggets: Mix in cooked quinoa or finely chopped chicken to boost protein content, creating a more substantial and nutritious snack option.
• Vegan Veggie Rounds: Replace eggs with ground flaxseed, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and add almond flour for a completely plant-based version that maintains the original's delicious texture.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory baked broccoli cheese balls deliver a delightful twist on classic appetizers. Packed with wholesome broccoli, sharp cheddar, and golden breadcrumbs, these crispy spheres promise to become a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs

Cheese and Seasoning:

• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray, for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing with cooking spray.
2. Steam broccoli florets until they reach a tender-crisp texture, approximately 3-5 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then finely chop using a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, large eggs, all-purpose flour, granulated garlic powder, and powdered onion powder.
4. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Using clean hands, carefully form the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, each measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
6. Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through cooking to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
8. Remove from the oven when the balls are firm to the touch and have developed a crispy, golden exterior.
9. Allow the broccoli cheese balls to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving, as they will be extremely hot when first removed from the oven.

Notes

• Steaming broccoli to tender-crisp ensures the perfect texture and helps lock in vital nutrients for these cheesy bites.
• Finely chopping broccoli creates a smooth, cohesive mixture that binds together easily when forming balls.
• Using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses delivers a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Handling the cheese balls carefully when shaping prevents them from falling apart during baking.
• Letting the balls cool slightly before serving prevents burnt tongues and allows the interior to set properly.
• Parchment paper or greased foil guarantees easy removal and minimal cleanup after baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 262 kcal
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg