Description
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls bring comfort and flavor to your plate, combining wholesome green veggies with melted cheese in perfect harmony. Served hot and golden, these irresistible bites promise a delightful crunch you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) finely chopped or grated broccoli (steamed or blanched)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, minced garlic, and beaten eggs until the mixture holds together cohesively.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional herbs to enhance the flavor profile of the cheese balls.
- Using clean hands or a small scoop, carefully form the mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, ensuring they are compact and well-shaped.
- Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even heat circulation and crispy exterior development.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to promote uniform golden-brown coloration.
- Monitor the cheese balls closely during the final minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, looking for a crisp, golden exterior and a tender, melted interior.
- Remove from the oven and let the broccoli cheese balls rest for a few minutes to stabilize their structure and enhance their flavor.
- Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or protein-packed snack, optionally accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for unique flavor profiles that complement the broccoli’s earthy taste.
- Ensure broccoli is finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the balls soggy or falling apart during baking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Add extra protein by incorporating cooked quinoa or finely chopped nuts into the mixture, transforming these balls into a more substantial appetizer or light meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg