Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, offering a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
- Optional: pinch of dried dill
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: tiny grating of fresh nutmeg
- Optional: finely diced red bell pepper
- Optional: grated carrot
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- Optional: softened goat cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and trim about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Steam or boil them until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. Finely chop or mash the broccoli until it resembles a coarse meal.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the egg, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If using optional additions, add them now.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Adjust the mixture with more breadcrumbs if too wet, or add milk or egg yolk if too dry.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Form the Balls: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a compact ball, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Optionally, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve Warm: Remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Ensure your broccoli is super dry to prevent soggy cheese balls. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking.