Broccoli Cheese Balls

Introduction

Broccoli Cheese Balls are one of those recipes that effortlessly combine flavor, comfort, and ease. When I first made them for my family, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they were an instant hit! The crispy golden exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, and veggie-packed center that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. These bites are not only a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables but also perfect for parties, game days, or as a snack. My family devoured them in minutes, and I had to make a second batch because they disappeared so quickly. Whether served with ranch dressing, marinara, or garlic aioli, these broccoli cheese balls are truly a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love These Broccoli Cheese Balls

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese makes each bite bursting with cheesy goodness, while the breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch. It’s an incredibly simple recipe, with minimal ingredients required, but the results are so delicious. If you’re looking for a way to add a little more nutrition to your snacking habits, these veggie-packed cheese balls are a great choice.

Moreover, they’re versatile—these cheesy, crispy bites can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal. With just a few basic ingredients and a little prep time, you can have a satisfying dish that everyone will love. And, since they’re baked, not fried, they’re a lighter version of what you might expect from a cheesy appetizer.

Ingredients

To make these Broccoli Cheese Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and finely chopped broccoli (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray for baking

These ingredients are simple yet flavorful, and you can find them all at your local grocery store. The star of the recipe, of course, is the broccoli, which brings a wonderful green veggie base to the cheesy balls.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This step ensures that the broccoli cheese balls will not stick to the baking sheet while cooking.

2. Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs. Make sure everything is mixed together well. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture holds together and is well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to form into balls; if it feels too wet, add a little extra breadcrumbs until it firms up.

3. Form the Balls

Using your hands, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. If the mixture sticks too much to your hands, you can lightly grease them with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Once each ball is formed, roll it in some additional breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.

4. Bake the Balls

Place the broccoli cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with a bit of olive oil to help them crisp up during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

5. Serve

Once baked, remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of broccoli cheese balls includes about one ball, and here are the nutrition facts:

• Calories: 70 kcal per ball
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

These broccoli cheese balls are relatively low in calories for how satisfying they are and are a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs. The addition of broccoli gives them some fiber and nutrients, making them a more nutritious option than your typical deep-fried snack.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 20 balls

How to Serve

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great ideas:

• As an appetizer: Serve them warm at your next party, along with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
• As a side dish: These make a great side dish to complement your main meal, especially if you want to add some veggies to the table in a fun way.
• As a snack: Pair them with a salad for a light lunch or enjoy them as a quick afternoon snack.
• For game day: Serve them up as a snack at your next football or sports game party.

Additional Tips

Here are 5 tips to help you make the best broccoli cheese balls:

1. Adjust the consistency: If the mixture is too wet to form into balls, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help the mixture hold its shape.
2. Make ahead: You can form the broccoli cheese balls in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes for an easy, quick snack when you’re ready to cook them.
3. Add flavor variations: You can experiment by adding other seasonings, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor.
4. Try different cheeses: While cheddar and Parmesan are great, you can also experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses to change the flavor profile.
5. Freeze for later: Make a big batch and freeze some for later! Just form the balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a bag for storage. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, gouda, or even a cheese blend can be used in place of cheddar and Parmesan.

3. How do I store leftover broccoli cheese balls?
Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze these broccoli cheese balls?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

5. What’s the best dipping sauce for these cheese balls?
Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, and garlic aioli are all great choices. You can also try a spicy sriracha mayo for a little heat.

6. Can I fry these broccoli cheese balls instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry them in oil, but baking them is a healthier option. Frying will result in a crispier outside, but they can absorb more oil.

7. How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to make these cheese balls gluten-free.

8. How do I ensure they stay crispy?
Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil or cooking spray before baking, and make sure they are baked at a high enough temperature to crisp up nicely.

9. Can I make these cheese balls smaller or larger?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the balls to your liking. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size.

10. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs will work just fine, but homemade breadcrumbs add a little extra flavor.

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These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, cheesy, and veggie-filled treat that everyone will love. With their crispy exterior and gooey interior, they’re a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a snack, or a fun side dish, these broccoli cheese balls won’t disappoint!

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