Oh my gosh, you’re in for a treat with these baked broccoli cheese balls! Seriously, there’s something so joyful about combining fresh veggies with gooey cheese, isn’t there? This *baked broccoli cheese balls recipe* is not just easy to follow, but it’s also bursting with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more. I love whipping these up as a fun appetizer or even a quick snack when I need a little something tasty. Trust me, once you take a bite of that cheesy goodness with the crunch on the outside, you’ll be hooked! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked and chopped – Make sure to steam or boil them until tender, then chop them up to really bring out that flavor!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – I always go for sharp cheddar for that extra zing, but feel free to use your favorite type!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind everything together and give the balls that perfect crispy exterior.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – A little sprinkle of parmesan adds a whole new level of deliciousness.
- 2 eggs, beaten – The eggs are essential for holding our cheesy goodness together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This gives a lovely aromatic flavor that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – A touch of sweetness that complements the broccoli and cheese beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go to ensure you’ve got the seasoning just right!
How to Prepare the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, preheating is key to getting those broccoli cheese balls perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy on the inside. It makes a world of difference!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in all your ingredients: the cooked and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You’ll want to mix everything together really well—think of it as a cheesy party in that bowl! You want every bite to have a bit of broccoli, a touch of cheese, and that fabulous seasoning. So, get in there and mix until it’s all nicely combined.
Form the Balls
Once your mixture is nicely blended, it’s time to form those adorable little balls! I usually scoop a tablespoon or so of the mixture and roll it between my palms until it’s a nice, round shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving each ball a bit of space—about an inch apart works great. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
Bake to Perfection
Now, pop those beauties into the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that gorgeous golden brown color that signals they’re ready. The smell wafting through your kitchen during this time is absolutely mouthwatering!
Cool and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, give them a couple of minutes to cool down. I know it’s tempting, but let them chill just a bit so you don’t burn your tongue on that molten cheese! Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli are all fantastic options. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of broccoli and cheesy goodness.
- Healthier than traditional fried snacks, but still crispy and satisfying.
- Great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters—trust me, they won’t even notice!
- Versatile enough to customize with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish at your next meal.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious, making them great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked broccoli cheese balls are nothing short of perfection! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
- Get Creative with Cheese: While I love sharp cheddar, feel free to mix it up! Try mozzarella for that extra gooeyness or even some pepper jack for a spicy kick. The world is your cheese oyster!
- Breadcrumb Choices: You can use seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost or even panko for that delightful crunch. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit.
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning a party, you can prep these balls ahead of time! Just form them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They’ll still taste fresh and delicious!
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting them cool for a few minutes after baking not only helps with the cheese setting but also makes them easier to handle and eat. Plus, you’ll avoid that tongue-scorching moment!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even some cooked bacon bits for an added flavor dimension. Whatever makes your taste buds sing!
- Check Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cheese balls as they bake. If they’re starting to brown too quickly, you can always cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to making the best baked broccoli cheese balls ever! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
These baked broccoli cheese balls are not only delicious but also quite friendly on the waistline! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is about 2 balls:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But one thing’s for sure—they’re a tasty way to get a veggie boost without skimping on flavor! Enjoy your cheesy bites guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! You can definitely use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first and then drain any excess water. I suggest giving it a quick chop so it’s easier to mix in with the other ingredients. Frozen broccoli can actually work really well in these baked broccoli cheese balls, and it saves you a bit of prep time!
What can I serve with these cheese balls?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these cheesy delights with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing is a classic and always a hit, but you could also go for marinara sauce for that Italian flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy aioli or even a tangy yogurt dip! They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggie sticks on the side to make it a complete snack.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can! Making these baked broccoli cheese balls ahead of time is not only doable but super convenient. Just prepare the mixture and form the balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven! They’ll still be fresh and delicious, making your life a whole lot easier!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious baked broccoli cheese balls fresh and crispy! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), simply place them in an airtight container. This will help lock in their flavor and keep them from drying out. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to maintaining that crispy exterior. I recommend popping them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll crisp up nicely without losing any of that cheesy goodness. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave, but be careful! They can get a bit soggy. If you must, try microwaving them for about 30 seconds to a minute, then give them a quick toast in a pan or under the broiler to regain some crunch.
So, whether you’re savoring them fresh out of the oven or reheating for a second round, these cheesy bites are sure to delight every time. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 balls 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious baked broccoli cheese balls recipe that is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, beaten 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 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can substitute other types of cheese if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: baked broccoli cheese balls recipe
