Baked broccoli cheese balls are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried ones! They’re crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and packed with nutritious broccoli. They make a great appetizer, side dish, or snack. Here’s a simple recipe to try!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained if using frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the broccoli:
- If using fresh broccoli, steam or boil the florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes), then drain and chop finely.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and then squeeze out any excess moisture before chopping.
- Mix the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, cream cheese, garlic, onion powder, oregano (if using), and salt and pepper.
- Mix everything well until the mixture holds together. You can use your hands for better consistency.
- Form the balls:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake the cheese balls:
- Lightly brush the tops of the broccoli cheese balls with a little olive oil (this will help them crisp up).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Once they’re done baking, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch, marinara, or a garlic aioli.
Tips:
- For a bit of extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add some spices or herbs like paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- If the mixture is too loose, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
These baked broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit! They’re crispy, cheesy, and a great way to sneak in some veggies. Are you planning to serve them with any specific dipping sauces or on their own?