Easy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

In the world of comfort food, there’s something uniquely delightful about a crispy, cheesy bite that’s bursting with flavor. Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and simple snack or side dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with the rich, melty flavor of cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy exterior. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings or just as a healthy snack.

Why Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Broccoli cheese balls are a creative and fun way to incorporate vegetables into your meals, and they’re an excellent way to sneak some healthy greens into your kids’ diets. The combination of steamed broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs gives these little bites a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. They are crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, making them highly addictive.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Preparing the Broccoli

The first step is preparing the broccoli, which is the star of the dish. Broccoli adds a nice, tender texture and a healthy dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Steam the Broccoli: Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly. You can steam the broccoli using a steamer basket or microwave it. If you’re steaming on the stovetop, bring a pot of water to a boil, place the broccoli in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly firm. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as you want it to retain its shape and not become mushy.

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   Alternatively, you can microwave the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with a few tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for about 3-4 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.

2. Drain the Broccoli: After steaming, drain the broccoli well to remove excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure that the mixture doesn’t become too soggy. You can press out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

3. Chop the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is drained and slightly cooled, chop it finely. You want the broccoli pieces to be small enough so that they mix well with the other ingredients and can be easily rolled into balls. Use a sharp knife or a food processor for this step if you’re looking to save time.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

Now that the broccoli is ready, it’s time to combine it with the other ingredients that will give the cheese balls their flavor and structure.

1. Combine Broccoli and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt as the balls cook, creating a delicious, gooey filling inside each bite.

2. Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in the breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together. The breadcrumbs also contribute to the crispy texture of the cheese balls once they’re cooked.

3. Add Egg and Seasonings: Crack 1 egg into the bowl, and add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The egg acts as a binder, helping everything hold together. If you prefer more seasoning, feel free to adjust the quantities to taste.

4. Mix Everything Together: Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until fully combined. You should have a sticky, slightly dense mixture that holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Shaping the Broccoli Cheese Balls

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into the perfect little bite-sized balls.

1. Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out a portion of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. You can make them as large or small as you like, but bite-sized balls are ideal for easy snacking. If you want to make them more uniform in size, you can use a cookie scoop.

2. Optional Coating: For extra crunch, you can roll the balls in additional breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs before cooking. This step will give the broccoli cheese balls an even crispier exterior once fried or baked.

3. Place on a Tray: Once all the balls are formed, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures they don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Cooking the Broccoli Cheese Balls

Now that your broccoli cheese balls are ready, it’s time to cook them. You can either bake, fry, or even air fry the cheese balls. Here’s how to do each:

1. Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Arrange the broccoli cheese balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
   • Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray for extra crispness.
   • Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

   Baking is the easiest and most hands-off method, and it ensures you get a healthier, less greasy version of broccoli cheese balls.

2. Frying:

   • Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the broccoli cheese balls to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the cheese balls for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Remove the balls from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

   Frying gives the cheese balls a crispy, golden exterior, but it adds more oil to the dish. This method is great if you’re looking for a crispy texture but want to keep things simple.

3. Air Frying:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil.
   • Arrange the cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
   • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

   Air frying is a great alternative to traditional frying, as it uses significantly less oil while still achieving a crisp texture.

Step 5: Serving the Broccoli Cheese Balls

Once your broccoli cheese balls are cooked, it’s time to serve them. These cheesy, crispy balls can be served in many ways:

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve the broccoli cheese balls with a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy mustard. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy, crunchy balls.

2. Garnishing: You can garnish your broccoli cheese balls with fresh parsley or chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.

3. As a Side Dish: These broccoli cheese balls make an excellent side dish for dinner. Pair them with a simple protein like grilled chicken or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Success

1. Well-Drained Broccoli: Be sure to properly drain the broccoli after steaming it. Excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and difficult to form into balls.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the egg and cheese to come to room temperature before mixing them with the broccoli to ensure they blend together smoothly.

3. Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are essential for binding the mixture together. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko.

4. Make-Ahead Option: You can make the broccoli cheese balls ahead of time. Form the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake or fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. Feel Free to Experiment: While the classic cheddar cheese is a favorite, don’t hesitate to experiment with other types of cheese, like mozzarella, monterey jack, or even a combination of different cheeses for a unique twist.

Variations of Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Spicy Broccoli Cheese Balls: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick of heat. Pair these with a cooling dip like ranch to balance out the spice.

2. Vegan Broccoli Cheese Balls: To make these balls vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan cheese substitute like nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.

3. Bacon Broccoli Cheese Balls: For a smoky flavor, add crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.

4. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder to keep the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Balls are an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Their crispy exterior and cheesy, tender interior make them irresistible, and they offer a fun way to enjoy broccoli in a different form.

Yield: 16

Easy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

Print

In the world of comfort food, there’s something uniquely delightful about a crispy, cheesy bite that’s bursting with flavor. Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and simple snack or side dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with the rich, melty flavor of cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy exterior. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings or just as a healthy snack.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked broccoli florets, finely chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
   
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
   If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it until tender, then chop it finely. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture, then chop.
   
3. Make the Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
   
4. Form the Balls:
   Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-16 balls depending on the size.
   
5. Bake the Cheese Balls:
   Place the broccoli cheese balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or drizzle a little over them for a golden, crispy finish.
   
6. Bake:
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through for even cooking if you'd like.
   
7. Serve:
   Let the broccoli cheese balls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Dipping Sauce: Serve these with ranch, marinara, or a simple cheese sauce for dipping.

Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked cheese balls for later. Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store them in an airtight container. When ready to bake, cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or swap out the cheddar cheese for any cheese of your choice.