If you’re looking for a delicious way to sneak some greens into your snack time or appetizer lineup, this Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe is pure magic. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these little bites bring together vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Trust me, once you try them, these Broccoli Cheese Balls will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to making the Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe a showstopper. Each plays a vital role—from adding texture and moisture to delivering that irresistible cheesy punch and savory depth.
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli: Provides freshness, color, and a slight earthiness that balances the cheese perfectly.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey and flavorful center.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Adds crunch and helps bind the mixture for perfect shaping.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory depth with its sharp, nutty personality.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Keeps the mix moist and tender while adding a subtle creaminess.
- 1 egg: Acts as a glue to hold everything together and adds richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mild punch of flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that awaken all the other flavors.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Broccoli Cheese Balls bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your finely chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix vigorously until every ingredient is well incorporated. This ensures balance in every bite and helps the balls hold their shape.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
With clean hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized balls. This step is fun and therapeutic—plus, keeping the sizes consistent helps them cook uniformly. Place each ball gently onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they have room to crisp up.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown on the outside with a satisfying crisp. The cheese melts inside, making each bite irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your Broccoli Cheese Balls hot for the best taste and texture. These little bites are guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or alongside a meal.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of your cheese balls for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A light dusting of extra parmesan after baking also amps up the cheesy goodness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cheese balls pair wonderfully with dips like ranch dressing, spicy marinara sauce, or a cool sour cream and dill combo. For a heartier option, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, skewer the Broccoli Cheese Balls with cocktail picks and arrange them on a platter with a colorful array of dips. You can also nestle a few in mini lettuce cups topped with a drizzle of your favorite sauce for an adorable bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful but will lose some crispness, which you can easily restore with a quick reheat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these goodies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy them anytime with minimal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated cheese balls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid soggy broccoli cheese balls. Press out excess moisture before mixing.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar offers the best melty and tangy flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or mix in some Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Are these Broccoli Cheese Balls suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! As long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese and mayonnaise, this recipe fits well within a vegetarian diet.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative. Cook at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs. The recipe stays delicious and accessible without compromising texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about these Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe that makes them impossible not to love. Whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or just treating yourself, they bring a perfect harmony of cheesy, crunchy, and fresh flavors. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these little bites disappear—they might just become your new favorite snack!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 12 balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and crispy baked appetizer made with finely chopped broccoli, cheddar and parmesan cheeses, and a blend of seasonings. Perfectly golden and cheesy on the inside, they make an excellent snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and bake in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheese Balls Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped broccoli, grated cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together well until the mixture is evenly combined and holds together when shaped.
- Shape into balls: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the balls hot for the best taste and texture. Enjoy as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Make sure to chop the broccoli finely so the balls hold together well.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
- These cheese balls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
