These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your veggies! With tasty cheese and crisp broccoli, they make a great snack or side dish that everyone will love.
Honestly, they are so good that you might want to eat them all by yourself. I like to serve them with a yummy dip—it makes them even better! 🧀🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star of these cheese balls, giving them great flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and drain well!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharp flavor. You can mix it up with mozzarella for a lighter taste, or substitute with a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan touch.
Breadcrumbs: Use regular or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. Gluten-free options are available too, making this dish accessible to everyone.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. If you need an egg substitute, consider flax seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon flax seed + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
How Do I Make Sure My Broccoli Balls Hold Together?
Getting these balls to stay intact is crucial for the perfect bake. Here are some tips:
- Blanch the broccoli to soften it slightly, but not too much. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
- Ensure to drain the broccoli well and pat it dry; excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the mixture too loose.
- If the mixture feels too wet after adding the eggs, add in more breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb coating! This gives your balls a crispy outer layer and helps them keep their form during baking.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broccoli Balls:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For Baking:
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking sheet
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dip, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. In total, you should set aside around 40-45 minutes to get these cheesy delights on your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
In a pot, bring some water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the finely chopped broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2-3 minutes; they should be slightly tender yet bright green. Once done, drain the broccoli well and use paper towels to pat it dry—this helps avoid sogginess in your mixture.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Add the Eggs:
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add them to the broccoli mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a sticky consistency that holds together. If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in a few more breadcrumbs until you get the right texture.
5. Form the Balls:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls between your palms until they are nicely rounded—about the size of a golf ball.
6. Coat the Balls:
Give each ball a roll in the extra breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating. This will make them golden and crunchy as they bake!
7. Bake:
Place the breaded balls on the greased baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Lightly spray or brush the tops with a bit of oil to ensure a nice golden color while baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the balls bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch. Serve your delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls warm alongside ranch dressing or whatever dip you prefer.
Enjoy your flavorful, crispy, and cheesy broccoli bites!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly to remove excess moisture before chopping and using it in the recipe. Blanching is not necessary with frozen broccoli since it’s already been cooked prior to freezing.
Can I Make These Broccoli Balls Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a dairy-free cheese. You can also skip the cheese for a lighter version, though the flavor may vary.
How Do I Store Leftover Broccoli Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again, or briefly in the microwave if you prefer to heat them quickly.
Can I Freeze These Broccoli Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Before baking, place the formed balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until they are heated through and golden.