There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy bite packed with vibrant green broccoli, and this Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe delivers just that. Crispy on the outside yet tender and cheesy inside, these bite-sized gems make for an irresistible appetizer, snack, or party treat. Whether you’re looking to sneak some veggies into a fun dish or just craving a savory delight, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s truly delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating your own batch of Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe. Each element plays an important role, ensuring the final dish balances flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color.
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Steaming these until tender brings out their vibrant green hue and fresh flavor, creating the perfect vegetable base.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that melts beautifully inside the balls.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provide the essential crunch and structure to keep the balls intact while baking.
- Large eggs (2): Act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together with ease.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses every bite with a gentle, savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Elevates all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle warmth and slight kick for balance.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Drizzled over before baking to encourage a crisp, golden exterior that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready when your broccoli cheese balls are formed. While the oven warms, steam the broccoli florets until they turn a bright green and feel tender to the bite—about three to five minutes. This keeps them fresh and vibrant, preventing sogginess later on. Let the florets cool slightly before moving ahead.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once the broccoli has cooled, finely chop it to ensure every bite has an even distribution of tender greens. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly results in a cohesive, flavorful mixture that’s easy to shape.
Step 3: Form and Prepare the Balls
Now the fun part—form your mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Uniform sizing helps ensure even cooking and perfect texture every time. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Bake
Drizzle a little olive oil over each ball; this simple step encourages a golden, crispy crust as they bake. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the exterior is beautifully browned and crunchy. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
For the best experience, serve these broccoli cheese balls warm. The cheese will be perfectly melted, and the outside crisp, making for the ultimate bite-sized treat.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your broccoli cheese balls to add a splash of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich cheese.
Side Dishes
These delicious bites pair wonderfully with tangy dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a zesty sriracha mayo. Serving alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of tomato soup turns this snack into a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these to a party, consider skewering a few broccoli cheese balls with cherry tomatoes and olives for a colorful appetizer kabob. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with assorted dips to invite guests to sample and savor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll maintain their flavor and be easy to reheat when you want a quick snack.
Freezing
Broccoli cheese balls freeze well—simply flash freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Keep them frozen for up to two months. This makes for a handy, ready-to-bake snack anytime you need one.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated broccoli cheese balls in an oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy cheese balls.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers without altering the recipe.
What cheese works best besides sharp cheddar?
Try mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheddar and parmesan for an extra punch of flavor and meltiness.
Are these suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the cheesy goodness and fun bite-sized shape, and sneaking in broccoli makes this a sneaky way to boost their veggie intake.
Can I bake these without drizzling olive oil?
You can bake without olive oil, but the drizzle helps achieve a crispier, golden exterior. If you prefer, you can spray them lightly with cooking spray instead.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe is a total winner that blends comfort, nutrition, and fun all in one. Whether you’re sharing with friends or just treating yourself, these cheesy bites bring warmth and smiles to any table. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and enjoy every crispy, cheesy, broccoli-packed bite!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls made with fresh steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. These baked bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, combining cheesy goodness with tender broccoli in a perfectly golden crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the broccoli cheese balls.
- Steam broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and just tender, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then allow them to cool slightly.
- Mix ingredients: Finely chop the cooled broccoli and combine it with shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form balls: Shape the mixture into small balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Drizzle olive oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over each ball to help create a crispy texture during baking.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli cheese balls warm for the best flavor and crispy texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to oversteam the broccoli; it should be just tender to maintain texture and flavor.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- For extra crunch, consider rolling the balls in additional breadcrumbs before baking.
- If you prefer, these can also be fried instead of baked for a crispier exterior.
- Leftover broccoli cheese balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
