Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these broccoli cheese balls! They’re one of my all-time favorite snacks, and I can’t help but get excited every time I make them. I remember the first time I whipped these up for a little gathering at my place; the aroma of melting cheese and fresh broccoli filled the air, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! Trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy movie night or a fun game day with friends.

The best part? They’re super easy to make! Just a handful of ingredients, a little mixing, and some baking, and you’ll have these delightful, cheesy bites ready to enjoy in no time. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside—seriously, what’s not to love? So let’s get cooking and bring these scrumptious broccoli cheese balls to life!

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful broccoli cheese balls! Here’s a simple list that will have you on your way to cheesy goodness:

• 2 cups broccoli, chopped: Fresh is best! Make sure to chop it into tiny pieces so it mixes well and bakes evenly.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a good sharp cheddar for that rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: This will give our balls that perfect crunch on the outside. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your taste.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle of this adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness—trust me, you don’t want to skip it!
• 1 egg: This helps bind everything together, ensuring our balls hold their shape.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic? It elevates the flavor to another level!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy—season to your heart’s content for that perfect balance!

Gather these ingredients, and let’s dive into the fun part of mixing and baking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part of making these amazing broccoli cheese balls! Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a tasty treat in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because we want our cheese balls to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown and delicious!

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the oven is heating up, grab a pot and steam your broccoli until it’s nice and tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s ready, chop it finely. I like to let it cool a bit before chopping so I don’t burn my fingers—trust me, it’s a much better experience!

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands to mix it all together—it’s messy but so much fun! Just make sure everything is well combined, and you’ll have a vibrant mixture ready for shaping.

Step 4: Form the Balls

Now, it’s time to form the mixture into small balls. I usually scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between my palms. Make sure they’re compact, so they hold their shape while baking. It’s like crafting little cheesy broccoli nuggets!

Step 5: Bake the Balls

Place your formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you won’t be able to resist sneaking a taste!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for these delicious broccoli cheese balls. Just keep in mind that this data is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, here’s what you can expect per serving (which is about 4 balls):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 6g

So, there you have it! These little bites not only taste amazing but also pack a decent nutritional punch. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, right? Enjoy every cheesy, broccoli-packed bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about why these broccoli cheese balls are just the best! I can’t get enough of them, and I think you’ll feel the same way once you try them. Here’s what makes this recipe a total winner:

• Quick to make: You can whip these up in no time—perfect for those busy days when you need a tasty snack fast!
• Easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make these delicious bites!
• Great for snacks or appetizers: Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a little pick-me-up, these cheesy spheres fit the bill perfectly!
• Vegetarian-friendly: They’re a fantastic option for anyone looking for a meatless treat without sacrificing flavor!
• Perfectly cheesy and flavorful: The blend of broccoli and cheese creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more!

Honestly, once you have a bite, you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed with these little gems. They’re a delightful mix of flavors and textures that just makes my heart sing!

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure your broccoli cheese balls turn out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are some of my top tips to guarantee cheesy success:

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also gives a vibrant color to your cheese balls. If you can, avoid frozen broccoli for this recipe—trust me, the difference is noticeable!
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. I usually add a pinch more salt than I think I need because it really enhances the flavors. Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices that you love!
• Mix thoroughly: Make sure all ingredients are well combined. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures that every bite is just as delicious as the last!
• Compact the mixture: When forming the balls, make sure they’re compact. This helps them hold their shape during baking and gives you that satisfying crunch on the outside.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check on your balls a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. You want them golden brown but not overcooked—nobody likes a dry cheese ball!
• Let them cool slightly: After baking, let your broccoli cheese balls cool for a few minutes before digging in. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful broccoli cheese balls ever. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share them with friends (or keep them all to yourself, no judgment here!).

Variations

If you want to mix things up with your broccoli cheese balls, I’ve got some great ideas for you! These little bites are super versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives for a delightful pop of flavor. It brings a fresh twist that’s simply irresistible!
• Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy version that’ll wake up your taste buds!
• Mixed Veggies: Swap out some of the broccoli for other veggies like finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients!
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese! Try using mozzarella for a gooey inside or feta for a tangy kick. The cheese combinations are endless!
• Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mixture for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesiness.
• Italian Flair: Mix in Italian seasoning or some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe—these flavors work so well with the cheese and broccoli!

These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and make these broccoli cheese balls truly your own. Cooking is all about having fun and enjoying the flavors you love, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing broccoli cheese balls, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you can resist eating them all!). No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them to keep that deliciousness intact!

First off, to store your leftover cheese balls, let them cool completely after baking. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can also freeze them before baking! Just lay them out on a baking sheet until they’re frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull them out anytime for a quick snack or appetizer!

When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen broccoli cheese balls, there’s no need to thaw them. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the frozen balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re heated through and golden brown. They’ll come out just as crispy and delicious as when they were freshly made!

If you have some leftovers from the fridge, you can reheat them in the oven as well. Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps them crispy outside and gooey inside—just the way we love them!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can keep enjoying your broccoli cheese balls long after you’ve made them. Happy snacking!

Broccoli Cheese Balls: 5 Irresistible Cheesy Delights

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy and delicious broccoli balls, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Steam the broccoli until tender, then chop finely.
3. In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into small balls.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

• Serve warm for the best taste.
• Can be frozen before baking for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 balls
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, appetizer, vegetarian