When these balls came out of the oven, the whole family scarfed down 3 trays!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, combining tender broccoli with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both kids and adults. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets finely chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp (3-5 minutes), then cool and finely chop.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheese balls cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Additional Vegetables: Add finely shredded carrots or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing: Prepare and freeze uncooked cheese balls for later; bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.