Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for baked broccoli cheese balls! These little gems are not only packed with flavor, but they’re also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Trust me, whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a delightful side dish, these baked broccoli cheese balls will hit the spot. They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside and melty on the inside—seriously, what’s not to love? Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to fried snacks, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your body. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped: Fresh or frozen broccoli works great! If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: I love sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to use mild if that’s your jam.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your flavor preference. They help bind everything together.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works too in a pinch.
- 2 eggs: These act as our binding agents, so don’t skip them! They help hold the balls together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a punch of flavor! You can also use fresh garlic if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This complements the garlic beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking! Don’t be shy; a little extra seasoning can elevate the flavor.
How to Prepare Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Making baked broccoli cheese balls is a breeze—seriously, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is! Let’s walk through the steps together so you can whip these up in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for getting that perfect golden crisp on the outside!
- Next, steam the chopped broccoli until it’s tender, which should take about 5 minutes. You can use a steamer basket or just pop it in the microwave with a little water—whatever works for you!
- Once the broccoli is steamed, let it cool for a minute, then chop it a bit finer if you like. I find that smaller pieces mix in better.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure all those flavors meld!
- Now, form the mixture into small balls—about the size of a golf ball—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup later!
- Finally, bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and delicious. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
- Serve them warm, and get ready to enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick to whip up—ready in just about 35 minutes!
- Each bite is a delightful mix of cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli.
- Perfect as a snack or a side dish, making them super versatile.
- Healthier than fried options, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Kid-approved! Even the pickiest eaters love these little bites.
- Customizable with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To really nail these baked broccoli cheese balls, here are some of my go-to tips! First, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the steamed broccoli; too much water can make the mixture too soggy. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with cheeses—adding a bit of mozzarella can give you that stretchy, gooey texture! If you want a bit of a kick, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs. And remember, a good bake is all about timing, so keep an eye on them in the oven to get that perfect golden brown finish!
Nutritional Information
These baked broccoli cheese balls are not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrition! Each serving (about 3 balls) typically contains around 150 calories, with 6g of protein and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using. It’s a great time-saver!
How do I know when the broccoli cheese balls are done?
They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, usually around 15-20 minutes in the oven. Your kitchen will smell amazing, too!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, shape the balls, and then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with baked broccoli cheese balls?
They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh salad to balance the cheesy goodness!
Are these gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free options, and you’re good to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover baked broccoli cheese balls is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good for about a month.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but they might lose a bit of that delightful crunch!
Serving Suggestions
These baked broccoli cheese balls are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of delicious sides! For a classic touch, serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a match made in heaven! If you’re in the mood for something fresh, a crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the cheesy bites perfectly. You could also whip up a creamy ranch or garlic dipping sauce for an extra kick. Want to elevate your meal? Try serving them alongside grilled chicken or a quinoa salad for a hearty dinner. The options are endless!
Imprimer
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: 7 Deliciously Crispy Bites
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Baked broccoli cheese balls are a tasty and healthy snack or side dish packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam the broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute different cheeses.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Snack
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: baked broccoli cheese balls
