These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! Packed with broccoli and gooey cheese, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re great as a snack or a side dish, and I love them with a little dip. Plus, who can resist anything that looks like a cheesy, veggie-packed ball of happiness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe. If you don’t have fresh on hand, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it and make sure to drain any excess water before chopping.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack can work too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty depth. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can be a good substitute. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan twist; it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Breadcrumbs: You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs. For gluten-free options, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour. I sometimes use crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. For a vegan alternative, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup for 1 egg).
How Do I Ensure My Broccoli Balls are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key to delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. Here are some helpful tips:
- Blanching Broccoli: After boiling, plunge the broccoli into cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the vibrant green color.
- Coating: Rolling the balls in breadcrumbs before baking helps create a crunchy outer layer. Don’t skip this step.
- Using Oil: Spraying or lightly drizzling olive oil on top of the balls before baking gives them that golden brown look. It’s worth it for added crispiness.
- Even Spacing: Make sure the balls aren’t crowded on the baking sheet. Space them out to let the heat circulate properly.
- Flipping: About halfway through baking, turn them over for even browning. This helps all sides get that crisp texture.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped finely
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy these delicious bites in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat. This will prevent the cheese balls from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
In a pot of boiling water, add the finely chopped broccoli and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender but still a bit crunchy. Once done, drain the broccoli and cool it by placing it in cold water, then chop it even finer.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Mix everything together until it’s well combined; it should be cohesive and easy to handle.
4. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs to coat them thoroughly. This will help them get nice and crispy when they bake!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place the prepared broccoli balls on the lined baking sheet. If you’d like, you can lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tops to make them even crispier while baking.
6. Bake Them Up:
Now, bake the broccoli balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure to turn them halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or a cheesy dip. Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping. Since frozen broccoli is usually blanched prior to freezing, you can skip the blanching step.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking for a substitute, crushed cornflakes, panko, or even ground oats work well as alternatives to breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Broccoli Cheese Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls in advance, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to coat them in breadcrumbs right before baking for the best texture!
