I’m delighted to share a baked, cheesy snack that’s deceptively veggie-forward—these Broccoli Cheese Balls are golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and irresistibly comforting.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how these little bites deliver sneaky greens in a crowd-pleasing form. The finely chopped broccoli melds into a delicious blend, while sharp cheddar and Parmesan make them rich and flavorful, all without using oil and without compromising on crunchiness
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I use:
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Broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp and finely minced
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Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
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Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Eggs, beaten
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All-purpose flour
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Garlic powder, onion powder
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Salt and pepper
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Cooking spray for pan prep
directions
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I preheat my oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
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While it’s heating, I steam the broccoli for 3–5 minutes until bright green with a slight bite, then let it cool and mince it finely until it resembles coarse rice
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I combine the broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, and seasonings until evenly mixed.
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Next, I roll the mixture into small (about 1‑inch) balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
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I bake them for 20–25 minutes until golden; for extra crunch, I add a 1–2 minute broil at the end
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 one‑inch balls, which serve around 4–6 as an appetizer, or 2–3 for a more substantial serving
Prep time is 15 minutes, with 20–25 minutes bake time; broiling adds just 1–2 minutes—totaling around 40 minutes
Variations
I often swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier twist. I can also fold in finely chopped spinach or zucchini for more veggies, or try gluten-free alternatives like almond flour in place of breadcrumbs and flour
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze them—either way, they reheat nicely at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 8–10 minutes in the oven or air fryer to regain crispness
FAQs
Can I prepare the balls ahead of time?
Absolutely—I form the balls, refrigerate them (up to 8 hours), and bake them directly from cold for convenience
Is a dip recommended?
Marinara works beautifully, but a lemon‑garlic yogurt sauce or sriracha‑honey mayo can bring a delightful contrast to the richness
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! I freeze them flat after baking, then reheat from frozen—typically 5–7 minutes in the air fryer at 350 °F does the trick
Any tips on hiding the broccoli better?
Finely chopping or pulsing the florets in a food processor helps the broccoli blend seamlessly into each cheesy bite
Conclusion
I find these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls delightfully sneaky yet truly satisfying—transforming simple broccoli into golden, cheesy morsels that vanish fast, especially at parties or gatherings. If you’d like help adapting the recipe for dietary needs or scaling it up, I’m happy to assist!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
Description
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these baked broccoli cheese balls are a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Steam the broccoli for 4–5 minutes until tender, then finely chop.
In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Roll each ball lightly in extra breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
