Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these baked broccoli cheese balls! They’re such a delightful little snack or side dish that I can’t get enough of. Picture this: crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and packed with nutritious broccoli. It’s like a party in your mouth! I love making these for my family because not only do they disappear in a flash, but they also sneak in some veggies without any grumbling from the kiddos. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation. They’re that good!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use plain or seasoned as you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Making these baked broccoli cheese balls is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip them up. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ve gotta preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cheese balls bake evenly and get that beautiful golden-brown color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use my hands for this—it’s messy but so satisfying! You want to make sure all those tasty ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the balls! Take about a tablespoon-sized scoop of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You can make them a bit smaller or larger, but I find that golf ball-sized works perfectly for even baking. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them so they can cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Balls
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly! Just keep an eye on them toward the end; every oven is a bit different, and you want them perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This little cooling time helps them firm up just a bit more. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli works beautifully. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making these baked broccoli cheese balls, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of joy can be a breeze if you keep a few things in mind.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining your ingredients, just mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can make the balls tough, and we want them light and fluffy!
- Check Your Broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained well. Excess moisture can lead to soggy balls, and nobody wants that! Just squeeze out any water with a paper towel.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap the cheddar for your favorite cheese! Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, while feta can bring a tangy twist to the flavor.
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so check on your cheese balls a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. You want them to be golden brown and slightly crispy, just like I mentioned!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before forming and baking the balls. This can help with the flavors melding together and makes for an easy, quick snack later on!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these with a variety of dipping sauces! Ranch, honey mustard, and even a spicy sriracha mayo all make fantastic companions for these cheesy bites.
Following these tips will have you whipping up the best baked broccoli cheese balls that will wow your family and friends every time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! These baked broccoli cheese balls are not just tasty; they’re also a pretty solid choice for a snack or side dish. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is about three balls:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, you’re getting a nice dose of protein, fiber, and those all-important veggies in every delicious bite. Not too shabby, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Using frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping it up. A quick squeeze with a paper towel can help get rid of any extra water. This way, your baked broccoli cheese balls won’t turn out soggy, and you’ll still enjoy that delicious cheesy goodness!
What can I serve with baked broccoli cheese balls?
These little bites are super versatile! You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces that really complement their flavor. Think creamy ranch, zesty marinara, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick! They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of roasted veggies for a more substantial meal. Whatever you choose, they’re sure to be a hit!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps them regain that lovely crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they might lose some of that crunch. Enjoy your tasty snacks again!
Why You’ll Love Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Let me tell you why these baked broccoli cheese balls quickly become a household favorite! They’re not just delicious; they’re also packed with goodness and super easy to put together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these little bites are sure to impress!
Quick and Easy
First off, the prep and cook time is a breeze! You can have these delightful snacks ready in about 40 minutes, including prep time. I love how I can whip them up after a long day, and still enjoy a tasty treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s as simple as mixing, shaping, and baking, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy snack in no time!
Versatile Snack
These baked broccoli cheese balls are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can serve them as appetizers at a party, toss them into a lunchbox for a quick bite, or pair them with a side salad for a wholesome dinner. They’re just as great for a casual family meal as they are for entertaining guests. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for more!
Healthy Ingredients
And let’s not forget about the nutritious ingredients! With wholesome broccoli, protein-packed cheese, and eggs, you’re sneaking in some great vitamins and minerals without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you can feel good about serving these to your family. It’s a win-win situation when you can indulge in something so tasty that’s also good for you!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: 5 Ways to Indulge Guilt-Free
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked broccoli cheese balls are a nutritious and tasty snack or side dish. They combine broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior and cheesy interior.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- You can use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain it.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: baked broccoli cheese balls