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
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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