Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls—a crispy, cheesy, veggie-packed snack that wins over even the pickiest eaters! These golden bites combine tender broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a hint of garlic into a crave-worthy appetizer or side. Whether you’re looking for a fun party nibble or a wholesome way to sneak in more greens, Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect solution. They’re delightfully crunchy on the outside, irresistibly soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls starts with a handful of kitchen staples, and each ingredient really shines through. From the cheese that delivers creamy richness to the broccoli that brings freshness and color, the simple lineup leads to amazing taste and the perfect texture.

Broccoli florets: The hero of this recipe, providing vibrant color, flavor, and a dose of healthy greens—just be sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Breadcrumbs: These hold everything together and add satisfying crispness to each bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy, melty, and sharp, cheddar packs a big flavor punch and helps the balls keep their shape.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick and an extra layer of savoriness.
Large egg: Acts as the glue, binding the mixture so your balls stay together.
Garlic powder: For a gentle garlicky aroma and depth that balances the cheese and broccoli.
Salt and pepper: Don’t skip these essentials—they enhance every other flavor in the mix!
Cooking spray or olive oil: A light coating gives that golden, crispy finish without deep frying.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—the perfect temperature for a crispy outside without drying out the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and lightly mist it with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil. This tiny bit of prep is key for evenly baked Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls and prevents any sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for just 2 to 3 minutes until they’re tender yet vibrant green. After draining well (this is important to avoid soggy balls), chop the broccoli as finely as possible. Small pieces blend more seamlessly into the mixture and make shaping the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls so much easier.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped broccoli with the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well—it should come together easily as the cheese and egg bind the mixture. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumb.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop for consistent size. Roll each into a ball with your hands and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round; rustic is beautiful and delicious!

Step 5: Add a Little More Crisp

Lightly spray or brush the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with cooking spray or drizzle a hint of olive oil over each one. This quick step ensures that irresistible golden crunch forms during baking—no frying required.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the balls for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbly. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing! For a little extra crisp, turn the balls halfway through baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls cool for just a minute, then dig in while they’re warm and gooey. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a truly unforgettable treat!

How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chives, parsley, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan instantly elevates these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. Not only do fresh herbs add color and flair, but their bright flavors play beautifully with the cheesy richness. For a final flourish, a little squeeze of lemon is a secret pro tip—it brings all the flavors to life.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp salad for a lighter meal, or pair with roasted potatoes and a simple protein like grilled chicken. These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls also shine as part of a party platter with other bite-sized favorites—think carrot sticks, celery, and an array of dipping sauces for everyone to try.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer several Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls on toothpicks for a fun party app, or serve them stacked in a basket lined with parchment for a cozy family-style feel. For kids or picky eaters, try tucking them into pita pockets with a spoonful of yogurt sauce. These little guys even make the perfect lunchbox addition—they hold up well and taste great at room temp, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls left (which is a big “if” in my house!), pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and keep their flavor and texture surprisingly well.

Freezing

You can easily freeze uncooked or baked Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag—this way, they won’t stick together. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for whenever you need a last-minute snack or appetizer.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked crisp, reheat Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. The air fryer works wonders too. Microwaving is quick in a pinch, but the texture will be softer rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw it first, drain off any excess moisture, and chop finely. The key is to keep the broccoli as dry as possible so the mixture holds together.

What dipping sauces go best with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Try classic ranch, a zesty marinara, creamy garlic aioli, or even a sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. The mild, cheesy flavor is a match for so many sauces, so have fun experimenting!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the traditional breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, or try crushed rice crackers or gluten-free panko for the same satisfying crunch.

How do I get my Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls extra crispy?

For the crunchiest finish, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet and make sure each ball gets a light mist of oil. Turning them halfway through baking helps, and letting them cool on a wire rack keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix everything up and store the mixture covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead for parties or busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! There’s just something magical about transforming a few humble ingredients into golden, cheesy bites that make everyone happy. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and watch these savory snacks disappear in no time!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 20 cheese balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer or snack that combines the goodness of broccoli with cheesy goodness in a crispy, golden-brown shell. Perfect for parties or as a tasty treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Cheese Balls:

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain well and finely chop.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
Form Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Coat and Bake: Lightly spray or brush the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.