Crunchy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: A Fun Family Favorite!

Broccoli cheese balls burst with flavor, turning ordinary easy broccoli cheese balls into a mouthwatering appetizer that steals the show at every gathering.

These golden-brown bites pack serious crunch and cheesy goodness.

Perfectly seasoned and surprisingly simple to prepare, they combine nutritious broccoli with melted cheese in a delightful handheld snack.

Each crispy morsel delivers a satisfying blend of textures that will have everyone reaching for more.

The recipe transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Serve these delectable balls hot and watch them disappear in moments, leaving everyone asking for the secret behind their incredible taste.

Step-by-Step for Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Snacks

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy broccoli cheese bites.

• Prepare Your Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Mix Core Ingredients

Combine finely chopped broccoli with shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a dash of seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything into a cohesive mixture that holds together easily.

• Shape Your Delights

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, making sure each one is compact and uniform. Press gently to ensure they won’t fall apart during baking.

• Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place the broccoli cheese balls evenly across the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to help them crisp up nicely.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning.

• Cool And Serve

Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven when they’re golden brown and crispy. Let them rest for a few minutes to set, then serve hot as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Add-Ins & Cheeses You Can Try

• Crispy Coating Trick: Roll the broccoli balls in breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for an extra crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the balls in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or add quinoa for additional protein and a unique flavor profile.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve with homemade ranch, marinara, or a zesty garlic aioli to elevate the flavor and create a fun appetizer experience.

How to Serve These for Dinner or Apps

• Crispy Appetizer Platter: Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for dipping, creating an irresistible starter for game night or casual gatherings.
• Party Protein Boost: Serve these cheese balls as a delightful protein-packed addition to salads, turning a simple green mix into a more substantial and satisfying meal with added crunch and flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Side Dish: Pair these baked broccoli cheese balls with grilled chicken or fish as a low-carb side that adds exciting texture and cheesy goodness to your main course, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Kid-Friendly Lunch Companion: Pack these cheese balls in lunchboxes with a small container of dipping sauce, making them a fun and nutritious alternative to standard sandwich sides that children will love.

Save Your Broccoli Balls the Right Way

• Smart Portioning: Prepare these broccoli cheese balls in batches and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals or last-minute snacks.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezing Technique: Place uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for storage lasting up to 3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or frozen balls in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy exterior and melty interior texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Broccoli: Crisp, vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrition and the star of our cheesy bites.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds delightful crunch and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
• Eggs: Magical binding agent that holds all the delectable components in harmony.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that brings rich, tangy goodness to every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and creates irresistible golden exterior.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, aromatic warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the entire dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a subtle kick of heat for adventurous palates.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh green notes and beautiful color contrast.
• Green Onions: Adds mild, oniony sharpness and elegant visual appeal.

Tools for Baking These Cheesy Veggie Bites

• Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Grater: To shred cheese and create smooth texture.
• Cutting board: Chop broccoli and prepare ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Finely dice broccoli and herbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet: Provides even surface for cooking balls.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: Shape consistent broccoli cheese balls.

Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory baked broccoli cheese balls deliver a delightful twist on classic appetizers. Crispy exterior and cheesy interior make these bite-sized morsels perfect for snacking or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) broccoli, finely chopped or grated (steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (120 ml) parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Honey mustard

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to the specified temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing: Combine finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, minced garlic, and beaten eggs in a large bowl, blending until the mixture forms a cohesive texture that holds together effortlessly.
3. Seasoning: Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating salt, pepper, and optional herbs, ensuring a well-balanced and aromatic mixture.
4. Shaping: Craft uniform bite-sized spheres using clean hands or a small scoop, compressing the mixture carefully to create dense, well-formed balls that will maintain their structure during cooking.
5. Positioning: Arrange the formed broccoli cheese orbs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spaces between each ball to facilitate optimal heat circulation and promote a crispy exterior.
6. Baking: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes and rotating midway to guarantee an even, golden-brown transformation that highlights the cheese’s melting potential.
7. Finishing: Keep a vigilant eye during the final cooking moments, seeking a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a molten, tender interior – the hallmark of an expertly prepared cheese ball.
8. Resting: Allow the broccoli cheese delicacies to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling them to set and intensify their flavorful essence.
9. Serving: Present these warm, irresistible morsels as a versatile appetizer, companion to a main course, or standalone protein-packed treat, with an optional complementary dipping sauce to enhance the culinary experience.

Notes

• Chop Broccoli Finely: Ensure small, uniform pieces to help the mixture bind together and create a consistent texture throughout the cheese balls.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Drain excess liquid from chopped broccoli to prevent soggy balls and maintain a crisp exterior during baking.
• Balance Cheese Ratio: Use a mix of melting and harder cheeses for optimal flavor and structural integrity, preventing balls from falling apart.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed nuts for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg