Description
Delicious and crispy baked broccoli cheese balls made with steamed broccoli, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoned with garlic powder. These bite-sized snacks are perfect as appetizers or a healthy side dish, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch without frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. Place each formed ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is well steamed and drained to avoid excess moisture that can make the mixture too wet to shape.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.
- To make the balls crispier, consider adding a light spray of cooking oil before baking.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
