Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Broccoli cheese balls are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines nutritious broccoli with gooey melted cheese, all encased in a crispy golden exterior. These bite-sized delights are baked or fried to perfection and are great for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your family’s diet or simply craving a savory, cheesy treat, these broccoli cheese balls hit the spot.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Food processor (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Frying pan (if frying)
• Slotted spoon (for frying)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Cook the Broccoli:
   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. If you prefer steaming, steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes until tender.
   • Once cooked, drain the broccoli well and let it cool. You can also pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Chop the Broccoli:
   • Finely chop the cooked broccoli or use a food processor to pulse it into small pieces. Be careful not to over-process, as you want small bits rather than a puree. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also add chopped parsley for a fresh flavor and color boost.
3. Adjust the Consistency:
   • If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until the consistency allows you to form balls easily. If it’s too dry, you can add another egg or a splash of milk to bind the mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Form the Balls:
   • Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the broccoli cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll them gently between your palms to make smooth, compact balls.
2. Coat with Breadcrumbs (Optional):
   • For extra crunch, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs before cooking. This step adds an extra layer of crispiness, especially if frying.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Cheese Balls

You can either bake or fry these broccoli cheese balls, depending on your preference.

Option 1: Bake the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Place the Balls on the Sheet:
   • Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
3. Bake:
   • Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. About halfway through, gently turn the balls to ensure even browning.
4. Cool Slightly:
   • Remove the balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Option 2: Fry the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
2. Fry in Batches:
   • Carefully lower the broccoli cheese balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry Until Golden:
   • Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them gently until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
4. Drain the Excess Oil:
   • Once fried, transfer the balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve Hot:
   • Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and melty on the inside.

Step 5: Serve the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Arrange on a Platter:
   • Place the warm broccoli cheese balls on a serving platter and offer your favorite dipping sauces on the side. Ranch dressing, marinara, and honey mustard are great choices.
2. Enjoy:
   • Serve these cheesy bites as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or fryer when they’re warm and crispy.

Step 6: Storing and Reheating

1. Storing Leftovers:
   • If you have any leftovers, store the broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating:
   • To reheat, place the balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
   • You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for an extra crispy exterior.

Tips for Making Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Drain the Broccoli Well: After cooking the broccoli, make sure to drain it thoroughly and pat it dry. Excess moisture can make the balls fall apart or become soggy.
2. Chill the Mixture: If the mixture is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the balls. This will firm up the mixture and make it easier to roll.
3. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for other types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.
4. Experiment with Seasonings: Add spices like cumin, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
5. Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd. You can even freeze uncooked balls and fry or bake them directly from frozen for quick snacks later.

Variations of Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Gluten-Free Version:
   • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This makes the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
2. Keto-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Balls:
   • Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. Ensure the cheese and seasonings fit into your keto diet.
3. Spicy Broccoli Cheese Balls:
   • Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy cheese like pepper jack.
4. Air Fryer Broccoli Cheese Balls:
   • For a healthier alternative to frying, cook the balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Conclusion

Broccoli cheese balls are the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent, offering a delicious way to enjoy broccoli in a fun, snackable form. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, they’re a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even as an after-school snack. Whether you bake or fry them, these cheesy bites are bound to be a favorite!

Yield: 20

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print

Broccoli cheese balls are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines nutritious broccoli with gooey melted cheese, all encased in a crispy golden exterior. These bite-sized delights are baked or fried to perfection and are great for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your family’s diet or simply craving a savory, cheesy treat, these broccoli cheese balls hit the spot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (divided, ½ cup for mixing, ½ cup for coating)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil spray (for baking) or oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli:
   Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and finely chop.
   
2. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
   
3. Form the Balls:
   Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter).
   
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup of breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
   
5. Cooking Options:
   For Baking:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with oil.
   Place the broccoli cheese balls on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
   
6. For Frying:
   Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare the broccoli cheese balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking or frying.

Dipping Sauce: These balls are fantastic with ranch or a cheese dip.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.