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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare a shallow dish with remaining breadcrumbs. Gently tumble each broccoli sphere through the crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage with a delicate coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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