Are you craving a delicious, guilt-free snack that’s packed with flavor? Try these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe.
They are Perfectly crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside, this healthy appetizer or side dish is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a kid-friendly veggie snack, or simply want to sneak more greens into your diet, this recipe is easy, versatile, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tasty and Good for You: A fun way to eat broccoli that’s full of healthy stuff like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and calcium from the cheese.
Crispy Without Oil: These are baked in the oven instead of fried, so they’re lighter and healthier but still crispy and delicious.
Great for Kids: Even picky eaters will enjoy these cheesy bites—it’s an easy way to get kids to eat more veggies.
Use Anytime: These work well as a snack, a starter, or a side dish for lunch or dinner.
Quick and Simple: Made with basic ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (steamed and cooled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for extra flavor)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli pieces for 3–4 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
Let them cool, then chop them finely or pulse in a food processor. Use a paper towel to squeeze out any extra water.
Mix Everything: In a big bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until it sticks together when you press it.
Make the Balls: Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
Put the balls on the baking sheet. Keep going until all the mixture is used.
Bake: Spray the tops of the balls lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to help them get crispy.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Eat them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic mayo. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls
Dry the Broccoli Well: After steaming, use a paper towel to press out extra water from the broccoli. This stops the balls from getting soggy.
Choose Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best. Frozen broccoli can be used, but it usually has more water, which can make the texture softer.
Cool the Mixture: If the mixture feels too sticky to shape, put it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.
Remember to Flip: Turn the balls over halfway through baking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Try Different Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a strong taste, but you can also use mozzarella or gouda for a milder, creamy flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko, and swap regular flour for almond flour to make the recipe safe for people who avoid gluten.
Low-Carb or Keto: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep it low in carbs and keto-friendly.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and make “flax eggs” by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg you need. This works as an egg substitute.
Add Some Spice: Mix in a little cayenne pepper (about ¼ teaspoon) or some chopped jalapeños to give the broccoli balls a spicy kick.
Try Other Veggies: Instead of just broccoli, you can use cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots alone or mixed with broccoli for different flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer: Serve these broccoli balls with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. They’re perfect for sharing at parties.
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or a fresh salad to make a complete and tasty meal.
As a Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes for a healthy and tasty snack that kids will enjoy.
For Game Day: Add them to your snack platter with wings, veggie sticks, and other finger foods for a fun and delicious game day spread.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare the mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storing
Store leftover baked broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
FAQs
Q. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the balls soggy.
Q. How do I make these balls crispier?
Lightly spray with oil before baking, flip halfway, and use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Q. Can I air-fry these broccoli cheese balls?
Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Q. Are these balls kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy flavor and bite-sized shape make them a hit with kids, even picky eaters.
Q. Can I make these without eggs?
Use flax eggs or a mashed potato as a binder for an egg-free version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the baked broccoli cheese balls recipe offers an ultimate healthy, cheesy snack that everyone will love!
With their crispy exterior, gooey cheesy center, and sneaky dose of broccoli, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick side dish.
Plus, they’re customizable, easy to make ahead, and freezer-friendly. Try this recipe today and watch them disappear in minutes!
Read More:- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets steamed and cooled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to keep the balls from sticking.
- Steam the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. Let it cool, then chop it very finely. Use a paper towel to press out any extra water.
- In a big bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheeses, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, and seasonings. Stir everything well until it’s mixed together.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands. Place the balls evenly on the baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the balls lightly with cooking spray to help them get crispy. Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning them over halfway through so they cook evenly and become golden brown.
- Eat the broccoli balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
