Quick & Tasty Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe for Beginners

Those cheesy broccoli balls craft boring vegetables into an addictive culinary experience that captures comfort and nutrition in one delightful bite.

Green florets mingle with melted dairy goodness, creating a crisp exterior that crackles with each mouthwatering bite.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, challenging traditional perceptions of healthy eating.

Compact and convenient, these morsels pack remarkable flavor into a small package.

Rich seasonings elevate the humble vegetable into something truly spectacular.

Each carefully crafted ball promises a satisfying balance of textures and tastes you’ll crave repeatedly.

Why Everyone’s Raving About Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Boost Veggie Intake Deliciously: These broccoli cheese balls transform a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy snack that even picky eaters will devour, making healthy eating fun and flavorful.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these cheesy bites in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute appetizers that'll impress family and friends.
• Protein-Packed Crowd Pleaser: Packed with 9 grams of protein per serving, these balls offer a satisfying nutritional punch while delivering an irresistible combination of crispy exterior and gooey cheese center.
• Versatile Party Starter: Serve as an appetizer, game day snack, or kid-friendly side dish that pairs wonderfully with marinara or ranch dressing, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love.

Ingredients That Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls So Satisfying

Main Ingredients:

Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that provides a hearty base and fresh flavor for the cheese balls. Choose fresh, bright green broccoli with tight, compact florets.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a crispy exterior. Opt for fine, dry breadcrumbs for the best texture.

Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and helps hold the balls together. Select sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum taste.

Binding Ingredients:

Eggs: Works as a crucial binder to keep the cheese balls intact. Use fresh, room temperature eggs for best results.

Flour: Helps absorb moisture and provides additional structure to the mixture. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheese balls. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust taste.

Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder or dried herbs can add extra depth to the recipe. Choose based on personal preference and available spices.

How to Make Crispy, Cheesy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Steam broccoli florets until they’re tender but still have a slight crunch. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive blend.

Step 3: Shape Broccoli Balls

Using your hands, roll the mixture into compact, bite-sized balls. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the broccoli balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown exterior. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the broccoli cheese balls to cool for 3-5 minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or snack that packs a cheesy, veggie-filled punch.

Expert Tips for Crunchier Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Drain Broccoli Thoroughly: Pat steamed broccoli completely dry to prevent soggy balls and ensure crispy texture.
• Grate Cheese Fresh: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate formed balls for 15 minutes to help them maintain shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Size Matters: Keep balls uniform for even cooking and consistent golden-brown appearance.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with herbs like parsley, dill, or garlic powder to elevate the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.

Keeping Your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Just as Tasty the Next Day

• Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Keep them fresh for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain tasty and safe to eat later.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the cheese balls on a baking sheet. Warm them for 8-10 minutes until they're heated through and regain their crispy exterior, bringing back that delightful crunch.
• Microwave Quick Option: When you're short on time, zap the broccoli cheese balls for 30-45 seconds. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, maintaining their moisture and delicious cheesy texture.

What Goes Well with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls on Your Plate

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the cheese balls, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate.
• Match with Zesty Dipping Sauces: Complement the broccoli cheese balls with tangy marinara, cool ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to elevate the flavor profile and add exciting texture.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the cheesy, rich balls and provide a nutritious accompaniment.
• Pair with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer to enhance the savory notes of the cheese and broccoli, creating a satisfying and casual dining experience.

Fun Variations to Give Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls a Makeover

• Spicy Jalapeño Fusion: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese to transport these balls to a sunny Greek island.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked quinoa and finely chopped spinach for an extra nutritional punch that transforms the snack into a wholesome mini-meal.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits into the cheese ball mixture, creating a smoky flavor that elevates the entire recipe.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls offer a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, savory interior that blends wholesome vegetables and rich cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, these delightful morsels provide a healthier twist on classic comfort snacks you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) finely chopped broccoli
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Preparation Ingredient:

• Cooking spray (as needed for greasing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Steam fresh broccoli florets in a steamer basket for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain and pat dry completely with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Finely chop the steamed broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring all components are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together when gently compressed.
6. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into compact, uniform balls approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter.
7. Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) apart to allow even browning.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
9. For an extra crispy exterior, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove from the oven and let the broccoli cheese balls rest for 3-5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
11. Serve warm with marinara sauce or creamy ranch dressing for dipping, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• Unlock the secret to perfectly crispy, cheesy broccoli balls that’ll make everyone at the table do a happy dance.
• Steaming broccoli beforehand ensures maximum moisture removal, preventing soggy disappointment in your final dish.
• Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes helps bind ingredients and makes rolling easier, creating uniform, Instagram-worthy bite-sized treats.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for unexpected flavor explosions.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain that coveted crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg