Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These golden, crispy bites are not only a delicious snack but also a nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Originating from the need to make vegetables more appealing, broccoli cheese balls have become a beloved dish in many households, especially among families looking to please picky eaters. The creamy cheese melds perfectly with the tender broccoli, creating a satisfying contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
People adore Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls for their irresistible taste and convenience. They are easy to prepare, making them a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a quick snack for busy weeknights. With each bite, you experience a delightful crunch on the outside and a warm, cheesy center that melts in your mouth. Whether served with a dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped finely
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
Preparing the Broccoli
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to give your cheese balls a nice golden color.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Chop the broccoli into small, uniform pieces. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to form the balls later.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the chopped broccoli. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender.
- Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for a few minutes, then drain again and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Preparing the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and flour.
- Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them until well beaten.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the broccoli mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not too wet; if it feels too loose, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs.
Forming the Cheese Balls
- Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the cheese balls. Take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball shape using your hands. Make sure the balls are compact and hold their shape.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
- Continue this process until all the mixture is used up. You should have around 20-25 broccoli cheese balls, depending on the size you make them.
Baking the Cheese Balls
- Once all the cheese balls are formed and placed on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top. This will help them achieve a crispy texture while baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may want to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the cheese balls.
Serving Suggestions
- Once baked, remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve the broccoli cheese balls warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or as a side dish with your favorite protein.
Storage and Reheating
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 cheese balls 1x
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped finely
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water.
- Chop the broccoli into small, uniform pieces.
- Blanch the chopped broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and flour.
- Add minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten, then add to the broccoli mixture. Mix until well incorporated. Adjust with more flour or breadcrumbs if too wet.
- Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball shape. Ensure they are compact.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Lightly spray the balls with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Let the cheese balls cool for a few minutes after baking.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli. They can also be served as a side dish with a salad or protein.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture.
- These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a must-try for anyone looking to add a delicious and nutritious twist to their snack or appetizer repertoire. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, flavorful interior, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Not only are they a fantastic way to sneak in some greens, but they also offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds wanting more. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delightful bites with a zesty dipping sauce, such as a tangy ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo, to elevate the flavor experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella, or incorporating herbs and spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to customize them to your liking. For a heartier option, try adding cooked quinoa or breadcrumbs to the mixture for added texture and nutrition. We encourage you to try this Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you serve them at a party, as a side dish, or as a healthy snack, we’re confident that they will be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how they turned out for you, and feel free to share your own creative twists on this recipe. Happy cooking! Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer, featuring fresh broccoli and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Baked to a crispy golden brown, they are easy to prepare and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Enjoy them warm as a delightful treat!
Ingredients
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