If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, comforting snack or a tasty appetizer that brings together the best of fresh veggies and melty cheese, this Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These little golden orbs are crunchy on the outside and irresistibly soft and cheesy on the inside, loaded with nutritious broccoli and sharp cheddar flavor. They’re simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward and vibrant ingredients is the first step to nailing this Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe. Each component is essential, contributing wonderful flavor, texture, or color that brings these bites to life.
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Steamed just until tender to keep their vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides the rich, gooey cheesiness that makes these balls irresistible.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds a lovely texture and helps bind everything together perfectly.
- Large eggs (2): The natural glue that holds the mixture in shape while giving a smooth bite.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle but savory depth of flavor.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives a gentle hint of warmth to balance the richness.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Drizzled on top to create that extra crispy outside texture when baked.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Broccoli
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for crisping up those cheese balls. Meanwhile, steam your broccoli florets until they turn bright green and soften just a bit—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Let the broccoli cool slightly before handling so it doesn’t melt the cheese or scramble the eggs later on.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Ingredients
In a large bowl, finely chop the cooled broccoli and combine it with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where all the magic happens—the cheese melts into the broccoli, the breadcrumbs provide structure, and the seasoning ties it all together into a flavorful blend.
Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Roll the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter. This size is perfect for getting a perfectly balanced ratio of crispy exterior to melty interior. Place them gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Bake
Drizzle each ball with a little olive oil—this step is key for that irresistible golden crunch. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a beautiful golden brown color and a firm, crispy texture on the outside.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your broccoli cheese balls warm to truly appreciate the full flavor and texture. Hot from the oven, the cheese is delightfully melty, and the outside delivers a satisfying crunch that makes every bite memorable.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan elevates the look and adds a fresh, savory hint. A dash of smoked paprika on top also brings a subtle smoky dimension that complements the garlic powder beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these Broccoli Cheese Balls with cooling sides like a creamy ranch dip or tangy marinara sauce. They also work wonderfully alongside a fresh green salad or a zesty coleslaw to balance the richness while adding refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer a few broccoli cheese balls with cherry tomatoes and olives for colorful appetizer kabobs. They can also be served on a platter alongside assorted dips for parties or family gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, simply place any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful flavor and texture if reheated properly.
Freezing
Want to make these ahead for busy days? Freeze the raw balls on a baking sheet first until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh batches as needed, storing them up to 1 month without losing any deliciousness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat broccoli cheese balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the exterior soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the cheese balls soggy. Gently pat dry before mixing in the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture and taste intact without gluten.
Can I add other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack if you want a bit of a spicy kick while keeping the core deliciousness of the recipe.
How big should the broccoli cheese balls be?
About one inch in diameter is ideal. This size fries up evenly and balances a crisp outside with a melty, flavorful inside, making them easy to eat in a few bites.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, these are a great way to sneak in veggies! The cheesy flavor makes them very kid-friendly, but avoid extra spices if your little ones prefer milder tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that brings joy, comfort, and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these are a fantastic way to enjoy more greens without sacrificing taste or fun. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with a new classic snack!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack featuring tender steamed broccoli mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, and spices. Baked to golden perfection with a light drizzle of olive oil, they offer a crispy exterior and cheesy, flavorful center. Perfect for gatherings or a healthy bite any time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the broccoli cheese balls until golden and crispy.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they turn bright green and are just tender, approximately 3-5 minutes. Then let them cool slightly to handle safely.
- Mix Ingredients: Finely chop the cooled broccoli and combine it in a large bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a consistent mixture.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over each broccoli cheese ball to enhance crispiness and add flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the broccoli cheese balls warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with a milder cheese if preferred, but cheddar gives the best flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the broccoli is well-drained after steaming to avoid soggy cheese balls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- These make a great appetizer or snack for parties and can be served with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
