Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making broccoli cheese balls yet, you’re seriously missing out! These little bites of cheesy goodness are packed with flavor and are just perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. Honestly, every time I whip up a batch, I can’t help but think of the laughter and joy they bring when shared with friends. They’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-cheesy on the inside—trust me, they won’t last long on the table! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit with everyone. Get ready to enjoy a delightful blend of cheesy, broccoli goodness!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious broccoli cheese balls! You’ll need 2 cups of chopped broccoli, fresh and vibrant for that perfect crunch. Next, grab 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese—the sharper, the better, trust me! You’ll also need half a cup of breadcrumbs to help bind everything together, along with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy flavor. Don’t forget 1 egg to hold the mixture nicely, and season it up with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Lastly, a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste will round out the flavors beautifully. That’s all you need for these tasty bites!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious broccoli cheese balls! Follow these steps, and you’ll have an irresistible snack in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your broccoli cheese balls bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Broccoli
Next, grab your chopped broccoli and steam it until it’s tender—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Once it’s cooked, let it cool for just a minute, then chop it finely. This helps ensure every bite is packed with broccoli flavor, and nobody wants big chunky bits in their cheese balls!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped broccoli with that glorious shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this ensures that each broccoli cheese ball is bursting with flavor!
Forming the Balls
Now it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If you find the mixture is sticking to your hands, just lightly dampen them with water to make it easier to shape. This little trick works wonders!
Baking the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Place your formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out a bit so they can crisp up nicely. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and deliciously crispy. You’ll want to keep an eye on them at the end, as ovens can vary!
FAQ Section
Can I make these broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls, then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for meal prep.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor. For a twist, try pepper jack for a little kick, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re going vegan!
How do I know when they are done baking?
You’ll know your broccoli cheese balls are done when they turn a lovely golden brown and feel firm to the touch. A little crispiness on the outside is a great sign—they should be perfectly cooked and ready to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—these broccoli cheese balls come together in just 15 minutes!
- Deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, game night, or a simple family dinner.
- They’re vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!
- Great for meal prep—make a batch ahead and freeze for later snacking!
- Fun to customize—you can add your favorite herbs or spices for a unique twist.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside—total comfort food!
Tips for Success
To ensure your broccoli cheese balls turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, check the consistency of your mixture; it should be moist but not overly wet. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water or an extra egg to help bind it. Also, when forming the balls, make sure they’re compact—this helps them hold their shape while baking. If you want an extra crispy exterior, consider sprinkling a little more breadcrumbs on the outside before baking. Finally, don’t rush the baking time; let them get that beautiful golden color for the best flavor and texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), store your broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but keep in mind they might lose a bit of that lovely crispiness. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor—they’re just as delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information Section
These delightful broccoli cheese balls not only taste amazing, but they also pack a nutritious punch! Each serving, which is about 2 balls, contains approximately 150 calories. You’ll find about 7 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat. They also provide around 6 grams of protein, making them a satisfying snack or appetizer. Plus, with only 1 gram of sugar and 200 milligrams of sodium, they’re a great choice for a healthier option. Enjoy these cheesy bites guilt-free, knowing they’re not just delicious, but also a smart addition to your snacking repertoire!
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Broccoli cheese balls: 7 reasons to love these bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy and flavorful broccoli balls, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam broccoli until tender and chop finely.
- In a bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into small balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- These can be frozen for later use.
- For a vegan option, substitute egg with flaxseed meal and use vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snacks
