Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *broccoli cheese balls*! They’re like little bites of happiness that make the perfect snack or appetizer. Seriously, who doesn’t love the combination of cheesy goodness and the nutritious crunch of broccoli? I remember the first time I made these for my family; my kids gobbled them up without even realizing they were eating their veggies! It’s such a win-win. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can whip them up for game day, serve them at a party, or just enjoy them as a quick bite during the week. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful *broccoli cheese balls*, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to mix things up with your favorite cheeses or add extra spices to make this recipe uniquely yours!
How to Prepare *Broccoli Cheese Balls*
Making these *broccoli cheese balls* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it helps ensure your *broccoli cheese balls* bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. Trust me, a preheated oven is the key to that perfect texture!
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Next up, let’s steam that broccoli! Steam your chopped broccoli for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s tender but still bright green. You want it just soft enough to mash easily but not mushy. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before handling it.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Now, grab a big mixing bowl! Combine the steamed broccoli with the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined. I usually like to use my hands for this part—it’s messy but so satisfying!
Step 4: Form the Balls
Time to shape these beauties! With your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Make sure they’re fairly uniform in size so they cook evenly; this also helps when it comes to serving!
Step 5: Bake the Balls
Place your formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let the *broccoli cheese balls* cool for a few minutes. This helps enhance their flavor and texture, making them even more delightful to eat. Then, dig in and enjoy the cheesy, broccoli goodness!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! These *broccoli cheese balls* are not only delicious but also fairly nutritious! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving (that’s one ball):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used. It’s a fantastic snack option that won’t break the calorie bank while still delivering that cheesy satisfaction!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *broccoli cheese balls* are truly a standout in my kitchen for so many reasons! Here’s why I think you’ll adore them:
- Quick prep time—ready in about 40 minutes!
- Easy to make, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile as appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish.
- A healthy alternative that sneaks in veggies without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and spices.
- Kid-approved and perfect for family gatherings!
Once you try these, I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *broccoli cheese balls* turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips I swear by!
- Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheese! While cheddar is a classic, mozzarella or even pepper jack can add a fun twist. Just remember to keep the total amount the same.
- Broccoli Options: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen works just as well! If using frozen, just make sure it’s thawed and drained of excess moisture before mixing.
- Keep It Uniform: When forming the balls, try to keep them the same size. This ensures they bake evenly, which means you won’t end up with some crispy and some undercooked.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these with your favorite dipping sauces! A tangy ranch or a spicy aioli really elevates the flavor and takes your snack to the next level.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your delicious creations!
Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity with these *broccoli cheese balls*! There are so many fun ways to make them your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate other veggies like finely chopped spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese Fun: Experiment with different cheese blends! Goat cheese, feta, or gouda can add unique flavors.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to discover your perfect bite-sized delight!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your *broccoli cheese balls*, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them as well! Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispy exterior while warming the cheesy goodness inside. Enjoy!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls: 5 Divine Bites of Happiness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious snack made with broccoli and cheese, perfect for appetizers or side dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam the chopped broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Adjust cheese types to your preference.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese balls
