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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to the specified temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Seasoning: Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating salt, pepper, and optional herbs, ensuring a well-balanced and aromatic mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Resting: Allow the broccoli cheese delicacies to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling them to set and intensify their flavorful essence.
- 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