Description
Cheesy broccoli magic meets crispy perfection in these baked broccoli cheese balls. Golden-brown spheres pack irresistible flavor, promising a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cooking Preparation:
- Cooking spray, as needed for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light cooking spray coating.
- Steam broccoli florets until they reach a tender-crisp texture, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Cool the broccoli briefly, then meticulously chop into fine, uniform pieces.
- Transfer the chopped broccoli to a spacious mixing bowl and combine with breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and flour.
- Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Gently blend all ingredients until the mixture achieves a cohesive consistency that holds together when shaped.
- Using clean hands, carefully form the mixture into compact 1-inch spherical balls.
- Arrange the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each one.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a rich golden brown.
- For an enhanced crispy exterior, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool slightly to stabilize their structure.
- Plate the warm cheese balls and accompany with preferred dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for added flavor complexity.
Notes
- Chop broccoli finely to ensure even cooking and better binding of ingredients.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixture consistency and easier ball formation.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from steamed broccoli to prevent soggy cheese balls.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
- Add breadcrumbs gradually to control mixture texture and prevent dryness.
- Freeze uncooked balls for quick future meals and meal prep convenience.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version.
- Boost nutrition by incorporating finely grated carrots or zucchini into mixture.
- Cool balls slightly before serving to let cheese set and prevent burning mouths.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 214
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg