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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Using clean hands, carefully form the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, each measuring approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
- Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven when the balls are firm to the touch and have developed a crispy, golden exterior.
- 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