Description
Delicious and healthy baked broccoli cheese balls, perfect as a vegetarian appetizer or snack. These crispy golden bites combine fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection. Ideal for parties, lunches, or anytime you crave a nutritious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Other
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly steam or microwave the chopped broccoli for 2–3 minutes until tender. Then let it cool and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, half of the panko breadcrumbs (½ cup), eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Balls: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs to evenly coat the surface.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated balls on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray or brush the tops with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning the balls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
- These broccoli cheese balls can be made ahead and frozen before baking for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
