Baked Broccoli and Cheese Balls (Printable)

Golden, crispy bites filled with broccoli and melted cheese. Perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head), steamed and finely chopped
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced

→ Dairy

03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Binders

05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ To Finish

12 - Olive oil spray

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
02 - Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and finely chop.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
04 - Add garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined and mixture holds together.
05 - Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture and shape into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
06 - Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil.
07 - Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They sneak vegetables into something that tastes like an indulgent treat
  • The crispy exterior gives way to impossibly gooey cheese centers
  • Make ahead friendly and they reheat beautifully for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Squeeze excess water from the steamed broccoli or your balls will be soggy instead of crispy
  • If the mixture feels too wet to shape add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs until it holds together
  • Do not make them larger than a heaping tablespoon or the centers will not cook through before the outside burns
03 -
  • Roll balls in extra breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunchy restaurant style coating
  • Swap half the cheddar for mozzarella if you want an even more pronounced cheese pull

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