Name: Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (plus more for coating); 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional); olive oil spray for baking or oil for frying

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a punch of flavor and a pop of color, Broccoli Cheese Balls are your savior. Golden and crispy on the outside, irresistibly cheesy and tender on the inside, these delightful bites make broccoli the star of the show without even trying. Whether you’re planning a cozy family night, hosting a party, or just craving a savory snack, Broccoli Cheese Balls will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressing everyone (including the broccoli skeptics!).

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Broccoli Cheese Balls lies in their simple, everyday ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Each component has its own role—some add richness, others provide crunch, but together, they create the perfect snack you’ll want to make on repeat.

Broccoli (2 cups, finely chopped and cooked): The main event—broccoli gives the balls their verdant hue, wholesome texture, and earthy flavor.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings tangy, creamy richness that stretches when you bite in—true cheese pull magic!
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, umami kick that pairs perfectly with the veggies and intensifies the cheesiness.
Plain breadcrumbs (1/2 cup + extra for coating): Breadcrumbs make the mixture moldable and give the balls that delightfully crisp shell.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping everything held together as they bake up golden.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses a savory, aromatic depth into every bite.
Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Brings a subtle sweetness and hint of onion without overpowering the broccoli.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances all the flavors—never skip this step!
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A gentle warmth that completes the flavor profile.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp, optional): Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the whole snack.
Olive oil spray or frying oil: Essential for that crispy crust—choose your method, bake or fry, and let the magic happen!

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy cleanup and perfect browning, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes the whole process fuss-free and guarantees your Broccoli Cheese Balls come off the tray effortlessly!

Step 2: Mix Up the Cheesy Broccoli Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your chopped cooked broccoli along with the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Get in there with a spoon (or clean hands!) and mix everything thoroughly. You want the mixture to just hold together when pressed—if it’s too loose, you can add a sprinkle more breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Balls

Using a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, scoop and shape it into little balls. For extra crunch, roll each formed ball in additional breadcrumbs. This step not only adds crunch, but also ensures that signature golden finish once baked or fried.

Step 4: Bake or Fry to Golden Perfection

Time to choose your method: If you’re baking, arrange the balls evenly on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a light spritz with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Broccoli Cheese Balls are beautifully golden and crispy all over. Prefer frying? Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls for 2–3 minutes until deeply golden, then drain on paper towels before serving. Either way, you’ll end up with snack perfection!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls

Garnishes

Take your Broccoli Cheese Balls from great to gourmet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a drizzle of ranch or sriracha sauce for a flavor boost. Each garnish adds a unique layer—freshness, richness, or a spicy zing.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these as part of a bigger meal, they pair incredibly well with classic sides. Try them alongside a crunchy coleslaw, a light tomato salad, or even with some marinara or ranch for dipping. Their cheesy flavor also complements lighter soups and roasted veggies beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Broccoli Cheese Balls on skewers for fun party bites, nestle them in lettuce cups for a bright presentation, or layer them on a platter with bowls of dipping sauces for a build-your-own snack station. You can even tuck them into lunchboxes as a surprise, or serve them as sliders with mini buns for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls, just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about three days, and they’re just as tasty as when they were first made.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Shape the uncooked balls and freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This trick guarantees perfectly fresh Broccoli Cheese Balls whenever the snack craving strikes!

Reheating

To bring back the crispy glory, reheat refrigerated or thawed balls in a preheated oven at 375°F until hot and crunchy, usually 8–10 minutes. A quick trip in the air fryer works wonders too. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it softens the coating and takes away that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before chopping and adding to the mix. It works beautifully and is a great shortcut when fresh isn’t available.

How do I prevent the cheese balls from falling apart?

If your mixture feels too crumbly, simply mix in another tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a second egg. Chilling the shaped balls for 10 minutes before baking or frying also helps them hold their shape perfectly.

What are the best cheeses besides cheddar and Parmesan?

You can experiment with other melt-friendly options like mozzarella for extra stretch, Gruyère for nuttiness, or even pepper jack if you crave a little bit of heat in your Broccoli Cheese Balls!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers. The texture remains spot-on and everyone gets to join in the snacking fun.

What dips taste best with Broccoli Cheese Balls?

They’re extremely versatile with dips—classics like ranch and marinara shine, but honey mustard, spicy aioli, or tzatziki all add their own special spin. The world is your dipping oyster!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a feel-good, flavor-packed snack that everyone will ask for again and again, make it Broccoli Cheese Balls. Whether you bake or fry, serve them as an appetizer or a lunchbox treat, each bite is sure to win smiles. So gather your ingredients, give this recipe a whirl, and don’t be surprised when they vanish faster than you expected!

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 18 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful blend of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and savory Parmesan, all rolled into crispy, golden bites. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, these vegetarian treats are sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
olive oil spray for baking or oil for frying

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: Combine broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
Shape into balls: Scoop mixture into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and place on baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Alternative frying method: Fry in oil until golden, then drain on paper towels.