Broccoli Cheese Balls

Name: Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: July 7, 2025

by Sabrina

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful snack that everyone will love. These bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them perfect for any occasion, from parties to family dinners. Packed with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, they offer a tasty way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a simple afternoon snack. You won’t be able to resist their deliciousness!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these Broccoli Cheese Balls in no time.
Flavorful Snack: The combination of broccoli and cheddar creates a rich, savory flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers at parties, side dishes for meals, or snacks for lunchboxes.
Healthy Choice: Packed with broccoli, these balls are a nutritious option that adds veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Customizable: Feel free to add herbs or spices based on your preferences—these Broccoli Cheese Balls are a blank canvas for creativity!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Broccoli Cheese Balls, gather all your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients evenly without making a mess.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your Broccoli Cheese Balls.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes clean-up effortless.
Spoon or cookie scoop: This tool helps you portion out the mixture uniformly for consistent cooking.

Ingredients

For the Broccoli Cheese Balls

2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped into small pieces
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko for extra crispiness
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Broccoli Cheese Balls will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The chopped cooked broccoli
2. Shredded cheddar cheese
3. Breadcrumbs
4. Eggs
5. Olive oil
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Salt and pepper

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheese Balls warm!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli Cheese Balls are versatile snacks that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick bite, these delicious balls can be paired with different dips and sides to elevate their flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.
Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing, marinara adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the cheese.
Honey Mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard enhances the savory flavors of broccoli cheese balls.

As Part of a Platter

Veggie Platter: Serve alongside fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a colorful snack spread.
Cheese Board: Pair with assorted cheeses and crackers for an appealing appetizer option.

With Salads

Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce and creamy dressing pairs well with the warm cheese balls.
Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors.

How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls

Creating flawless Broccoli Cheese Balls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bites come out perfect every time.

Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli enhances the flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix ingredients to maintain a light texture; overmixing can make them dense.
Chill Before Baking: Chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: Using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs gives a delightful crunch that everyone loves.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese Balls

Pairing your Broccoli Cheese Balls with delicious side dishes can make for an enjoyable meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

Garlic Bread: The buttery and garlicky flavors enhance the overall dining experience.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese balls.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add an earthy element that balances out the dish.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges create a satisfying crunch alongside the gooey cheese.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds health benefits while providing texture.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw introduces a nice textural variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Broccoli Cheese Balls, it’s easy to make some common errors. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your snack turns out delicious.

Using overcooked broccoli: Overcooking can make the broccoli mushy, affecting texture. Steam or blanch until just tender.
Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add necessary crunch. Don’t omit them; use panko for extra crispiness!
Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland balls. Always taste and adjust salt and spices before mixing.
Ignoring cooling time: Letting the mixture cool helps it bind better. Skipping this step may result in falling apart during frying or baking.
Crowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Space them out for even crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Broccoli Cheese Balls

Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Broccoli Cheese Balls

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but they may lose crispiness.
Stovetop: Sauté in a little oil over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Broccoli Cheese Balls healthier?

You can substitute part of the cheese with low-fat cheese or add more vegetables like carrots or spinach to enhance nutrition.

Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just thaw, drain excess moisture, and chop before mixing.

Are there any variations for Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick, or include spices such as cayenne pepper for added flavor.

How do I know when my Broccoli Cheese Balls are done cooking?

They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If baked, they usually take about 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Cheese Balls are not only a delightful snack but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various cheeses or spices based on your preference. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a fun side dish, these cheesy bites are sure to impress everyone at your table. Give them a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card