Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls that combine the goodness of broccoli with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. These golden-brown, crispy bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, offering a healthy yet indulgent treat baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Once steamed, chop the broccoli finely to ensure they bind well in the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped broccoli along with the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a cohesive mixture.
- Form Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have space to bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the balls cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli briefly keeps them tender yet maintains texture.
- Finely chopping the broccoli helps the cheese balls hold together better.
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs.
- Optional: Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
- Make sure not to overbake to avoid drying them out.
- These can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
