Looking for a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy way to enjoy broccoli? These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are an absolute delight! Tender steamed broccoli is combined with savory cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, a touch of garlic, and then baked until golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, cheesy interior. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect as a snack, a kid-friendly side dish, or a fantastic appetizer for any gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
I am constantly looking for creative ways to enjoy more vegetables, and these Broccoli Cheese Balls hit the mark every time! What I love most is how they transform simple broccoli into something utterly irresistible. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan is pure magic, and the garlic adds a wonderful savory punch. Baking them in the oven creates that fantastic crispy exterior without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier and less messy option. They’re quick to prepare, versatile, and always a huge hit with both kids and adults – even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these cheesy bites!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy and flavorful Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil spray
Swaps and Notes
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and thoroughly patted dry after steaming to remove excess moisture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great. Other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can be used.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a stronger, nuttier flavor than pre-grated.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs act as a binder and help create a crispy exterior. Panko breadcrumbs will offer an even crispier result. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the balls together.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Garlic powder can be substituted (about 1/4 teaspoon).
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of onion powder or a tiny dash of red pepper flakes can add extra flavor.
- Cooking Oil Spray: Helps the balls get golden and crispy without needing excess oil.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Broccoli Cheese Balls baked to crispy perfection!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is essential to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Steam Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still bright green. Do not overcook them, or they will be mushy. Drain the steamed broccoli very well and let it cool slightly.
- Chop Broccoli: Once cooled slightly, transfer the steamed broccoli to a cutting board. Chop the broccoli into very fine pieces. The finer the chop, the better they will bind into balls. Transfer the chopped broccoli to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl with the finely chopped broccoli. Mix everything together very well with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is cohesive.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Spray & Bake: Lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls generously with cooking oil spray. This helps them get that beautiful golden color and crispy exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese inside should be melty and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the broccoli cheese balls cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up slightly. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Drain Broccoli Well: Excess moisture from the broccoli is the enemy of crispiness! After steaming, ensure the broccoli is well-drained and chopped finely to prevent a soggy texture.
- Chop Broccoli Finely: Finer pieces of broccoli bind better and create a more uniform ball.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the mixture less tender.
- Lightly Spray with Oil: The cooking oil spray is essential for helping the balls get golden and crispy in the oven without frying.
- Serve Warm: These are best served warm when the cheese is still gooey.
- Uniform Balls: Aim for similar-sized balls so they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile and perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, a spicy aioli, or even plain ketchup.
- Kid-Friendly Side: A great way to get kids to eat their veggies!
- Appetizer Platter: Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering.
- Soup Topper: Crumble them over a creamy soup for a cheesy, crunchy garnish.
- Light Lunch: Serve a larger portion with a side salad.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy snacks and appetizers, consider our Crispy Yellow Squash Tots (which can also be made with zucchini!) or our This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These cheese balls are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They will lose some crispness.
- Reheating: To re-crisp, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, until hot and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can shape the balls and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen (no need to thaw) at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, savory, and easy nature of these broccoli cheese balls, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic appetizer and comforting veggie recipes:
- For another incredibly popular cheesy dip that disappears fast, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re a fan of unique and effortless appetizers, don’t miss This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
- And for a hearty and satisfying veggie side, our Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms is a must-try.
- Finally, for another fun and interactive snack perfect for feeding a crowd, check out These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win!!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly flavorful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying snack or side dish to your table with minimal effort. They’re easy to make, packed with cheesy goodness, and offer a delightful crunch that makes them utterly irresistible.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how perfectly golden and cheesy your broccoli balls turn out! What’s your favorite way to make vegetables fun for the whole family? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy snacking!
Leave a Reply