Description
Homemade broccoli cheese balls deliver savory comfort perfect for snacking or appetizers. Crisp exteriors and cheesy centers make these bites irresistible when you want something deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) broccoli, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- cooking spray, as needed for greasing
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and non-stick surface.
- Vegetable Processing: Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green, then thoroughly drain and pat dry to eliminate excess moisture, followed by precise chopping into uniform, small pieces.
- Mixture Creation: Combine chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients until they form a cohesive, well-integrated mixture that holds together when gently compressed.
- Shaping: Craft compact, symmetrical balls using clean hands or a cookie scoop, ensuring each ball measures approximately 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
- Baking: Arrange broccoli cheese balls on prepared baking sheet with slight separation, then roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior; optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to enhance crispiness while monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Serving: Allow balls to rest 3-5 minutes for proper setting, then plate with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly dry steamed broccoli to prevent soggy balls and ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
- Binding Technique: Compress mixture gently to help ingredients adhere, creating stable and cohesive cheese balls.
- Even Sizing Matters: Use a cookie scoop or consistent hand-rolling to guarantee uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
- Broiling Boost: Watch carefully during final 1-2 minutes of broiling to achieve perfect golden-brown crispness without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg