Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls transform steamed broccoli with gooey cheddar and panko into crispy golden bites perfect for appetizers or kid lunches.

Ready in 35 minutes, they serve 6-8 with ranch dip and irresistible cheesy pull.

Why This Recipe Works

Steaming keeps broccoli green and tender. Finely chopped pieces bind perfectly. Eggs + panko create crisp exterior. Multiple cheeses melt without leaking. Baking eliminates oil splatter.

Ingredients & Prep

Balls:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt, pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Steam broccoli 4 minutes; cool, chop finely (¼-inch pieces).
  2. Mix broccoli, cheeses, ½ cup panko, eggs, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, pepper.
  3. Form tablespoon-sized balls; roll in remaining panko.
  4. Place on parchment-lined sheet; spray lightly with oil.
  5. Bake 400°F 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden crisp.

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
BuffaloHot sauce + blue cheeseWing night
BaconChopped bacon bitsSmoky crunch
ItalianMozzarella + marinaraPizza bites
VeganPlant cheese + flax eggsPlant-powered

Storage Tips

Refrigerate 4 days; reheat 375°F 8 minutes. Freeze unbaked 2 months.

FAQs

Fall apart?
Chill balls 15 minutes pre-bake.

Not crispy?
Spray oil essential; hot oven.

Too cheesy?
Less cheese, more broccoli.

Conclusion

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls sneak veggies into cheesy bliss crisp perfection.

Print

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these baked broccoli cheese balls are a healthy, kid-friendly snack or appetizer. Oven-baked, easy to make, and perfect for dipping.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 22 mins
  • Total Time: 37 mins
  • Yield: 18 balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (steamed & cooled)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • 2. Steam broccoli until tender, then finely chop and squeeze out excess moisture.
  • 3. In a large bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • 4. Scoop mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
  • 5. Place balls on prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
  • 6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • 7. Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or yogurt dip.

Notes

  • Use mozzarella for a milder flavor.
  • Air-fryer option: cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
  • Great for meal prep reheat in oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 balls
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: baked broccoli cheese balls, broccoli snack, cheesy broccoli bites

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