Irresistibly Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe for All Ages

Crispy, golden broccoli cheese balls burst with unexpected flavor in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Biting into a perfectly crunchy exterior that gives way to a melty, cheesy center.

Home cooks adore these bite-sized delights that disguise healthy vegetables in a truly irresistible package.

Kids typically devour these without realizing they’re consuming nutritious ingredients.

Small gatherings or game nights become instantly more exciting with these savory morsels scattered across the plate.

cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, gooey texture that makes each ball a miniature flavor explosion.

Trust you’ll want to whip up a double batch once you taste these delectable nibbles.

Smart Broccoli Cheese Balls Tips

• Perfectly Steam Broccoli: Avoid overcooking by steaming florets exactly 5 minutes to maintain bright green color and crisp texture, ensuring maximum nutrient retention.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat broccoli dry to prevent soggy balls, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess water.
• Cheese Selection Hack: Mix sharp cheddar with aged Parmesan for deeper flavor complexity, creating a more robust and tangy cheese profile.
• Binding Brilliance: Add an extra egg or breadcrumbs if mixture seems too loose, helping balls hold together perfectly during baking and preventing crumbling.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Spritz balls with olive oil before baking to enhance golden-brown crispiness and achieve restaurant-style texture without deep-frying.

Store And Reheat Broccoli Cheese Balls Easily

• Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Carefully wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality and taste.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F and spread balls on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Reheating Air Fryer Method: Place cold balls in air fryer basket at 350F for 4-5 minutes. This method restores original crispy texture faster than oven reheating.

Yummy Combos With Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Dip into Deliciousness: Pair these crispy broccoli cheese balls with a zesty ranch dressing that adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy bites. The tangy ranch cuts through the richness and brings out the savory flavors of the broccoli and cheese.
• Wine and Dine Combo: Complement the appetizer with a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Pinot Grigio. These wines provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy texture of the broccoli balls.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a fresh, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the indulgent cheese balls. The bright, acidic dressing will help cleanse the palate between bites and add a nutritious element to the meal.
• Sauce Sensation: Experiment with a spicy sriracha aioli or a smoky chipotle dip to add an exciting kick that enhances the herbs and cheese in the broccoli balls. These bold sauces bring an extra layer of excitement to the appetizer.

Fun Variations For Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Spicy Jalapeño Broccoli Bites: Add finely diced jalapeños to the mixture for a kick of heat. Reduce the amount of breadcrumbs slightly to accommodate the extra moisture from the peppers.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace parsley with fresh oregano and basil. Mix in crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Smoky Bacon Broccoli Poppers: Incorporate crispy, crumbled bacon bits into the cheese ball mixture. Sprinkle smoked sea salt on top before baking to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Veggie Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour. Add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor and a protein boost.

Answers About Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Are broccoli cheese balls healthy?

These balls are a nutritious appetizer packed with vegetables, protein from eggs and cheese, and lower in calories compared to traditional fried snacks. They provide a good balance of nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet.

• Can I make these balls vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace eggs with flax eggs or mashed potato as a binding agent. This will help maintain the texture while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I prevent my broccoli cheese balls from falling apart?

Ensure you drain the broccoli thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. Chop the broccoli finely and mix ingredients well to create a compact mixture that holds together easily during rolling and baking.

• Can I freeze broccoli cheese balls?

Absolutely! Prepare the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Why Broccoli Cheese Balls Are A Crowd Favorite

• Crunch into Cheesy Goodness: These broccoli cheese balls deliver an irresistible crispy exterior with a soft, gooey cheese center that makes every bite a delightful texture adventure.
• Sneak in Healthy Veggies: A clever way to enjoy broccoli that even picky eaters will love, transforming nutritious vegetables into a fun, tasty finger food that feels more like a treat than a health kick.
• Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, these balls come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required, making them a stress-free appetizer or snack option.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: Customize your experience with various dipping sauces from tangy ranch to spicy aioli, ensuring each bite offers a new and exciting flavor combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Ingredient Breakdown

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional value and core texture for the recipe. Best when using fresh, crisp florets with deep green color.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle background flavor without raw garlic intensity. Ensures consistent seasoning throughout the mixture.
• Onion Powder: Provides mild, balanced aromatic undertones. Helps enhance overall savory profile.
• Parsley: Optional herb that brings fresh green color and light herbal notes. Adds visual and flavor complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides rich, tangy flavor. Select medium or sharp variety for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard cheese that contributes nutty, salty dimension. Provides excellent binding and depth of taste.
• Eggs: Primary binding agent that helps hold ingredients together. Ensures proper texture and structure of cheese balls.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy exterior and helps absorb moisture. Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances other ingredients. Helps bring out natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity. Freshly ground pepper recommended for best taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone. Adds depth and complexity to flavor profile.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior. Ensures even browning during baking.

How To Cook Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Grab fresh broccoli florets and steam them until they turn bright green and tender. Drain completely and chop into tiny pieces. Let the broccoli cool down for a few minutes so it’s not too hot to handle.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh chopped parsley

Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and stick together nicely.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Bites

Grab handfuls of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized spheres. Each ball should be about the size of a golf ball. Work gently to keep the balls compact and prevent them from falling apart.

Step 4: Add Crispy Coating

Pour additional breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each broccoli ball completely in the breadcrumbs, ensuring every surface gets a perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the coated balls with some space between them. Spray the tops with a light cooking spray to help them brown beautifully. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the golden-brown poppers out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or a zesty garlic aioli. Watch as these cheesy bites disappear quickly at parties or as a tasty snack!

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy broccoli cheese balls bring together garden-fresh broccoli and melted cheese in a delightful appetizer. Each golden-brown sphere delivers a perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness that will make you crave more.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (180 g) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Carefully trim broccoli into uniform florets, ensuring no tough stems remain. Steam or briefly boil until vibrant green and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes. Thoroughly drain and pat dry with paper towels, then mince into fine, small pieces.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the minced broccoli with shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, selected breadcrumbs, whisked eggs, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, smoky paprika, and finely chopped parsley.
3. Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, craft compact spherical portions from the verdant mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure cohesion. Aim for consistent walnut-sized shapes.
4. Prepare a shallow dish with remaining breadcrumbs. Gently tumble each broccoli sphere through the crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage with a delicate coating.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position a silicone mat or parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the coated spheres with slight separation, then lightly mist with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.
6. Roast in the preheated oven, rotating the tray midway through cooking. Bake until exterior develops a golden-brown, crisp exterior and interior remains moist, approximately 22-25 minutes.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and accompany with complementary dipping sauces like zesty ranch, robust marinara, or tangy aioli for an elevated appetizer experience.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is completely dry after chopping to prevent soggy balls that won’t hold their shape properly.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from steamed broccoli using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels for a firmer texture.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum flavor and better melting quality compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some mozzarella for extra stretch or blue cheese for a tangy twist.
• Make these gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Prep these ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for make-ahead appetizers or meal prep.
• Add extra protein by mixing in some finely chopped cooked chicken or ground turkey into the mixture.
• For a spicier version, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg