Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *baked broccoli cheese balls*! Seriously, they’re like little nuggets of joy! I whipped up a batch the other day, and my family couldn’t get enough. They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with broccoli goodness. I love them because they make a fantastic snack that feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy! Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is a total win in my book. Whenever I serve these, I feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious baked broccoli cheese balls. You’ll need:
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Make sure your broccoli is perfectly steamed to bring out that vibrant color and flavor! I like to chop it into tiny pieces for a better texture. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
How to Prepare Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Getting these baked broccoli cheese balls ready is a breeze! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want them to bake evenly and achieve that golden perfection. While that’s warming up, let’s get mixing!
In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to use a fork to mash the broccoli a bit to get everything mixed well, but you can keep some chunks for texture if you prefer! Once everything is mixed, get your hands in there and form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Next, place those little beauties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and a bit crispy on the outside. Yum! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the edges look crisp.
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a healthy snack option packed with nutrients from broccoli and protein from cheese.
- Quick to prepare—ready in just about 40 minutes, including baking time!
- The flavor is absolutely irresistible; cheesy, savory, and just a bit crunchy!
- Perfect for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and great for sneaking in those veggies without any fuss.
- Versatile for dipping—pair with your favorite sauces for an extra flavor boost!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked broccoli cheese balls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure to thoroughly drain the steamed broccoli to avoid excess moisture, which can make the balls soggy. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Also, don’t skip the parchment paper—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! And remember, let them cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps them firm up nicely. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your snack game!
Nutritional Information
These baked broccoli cheese balls are not just delicious; they’re also a smart choice for snacking! Each serving, which is about two balls, contains approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 6g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 2g of fiber to help keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the goodies you’re indulging in. Enjoy guilt-free snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well to remove excess moisture before mixing. This will help keep your baked broccoli cheese balls from getting soggy.
What can I dip them in?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy mustard for a kick. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They’ll taste just as delicious!
Are these baked broccoli cheese balls gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or use crushed gluten-free crackers. They’ll still be yummy!
How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked broccoli cheese balls is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that delightful crispiness we all love! You can also microwave them, but be careful as they might get a bit soggy. Just a few minutes in the microwave should do the trick if you’re in a hurry!
Serving Suggestions
These baked broccoli cheese balls are fantastic on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments! I love serving them alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You could also whip up a batch of creamy ranch or tangy marinara sauce for dipping—trust me, it takes them to the next level! For a heartier meal, consider serving them with roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa. Enjoy your delicious snack adventure!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: 5 Irresistible Snack Wonders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked broccoli cheese balls are a delicious and healthy snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with dipping sauce of your choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- These can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked broccoli cheese balls
