Description
These baked broccoli cheese balls are a tasty and nutritious snack or appetizer, featuring a crispy exterior and a cheesy interior. Perfect for any gathering, they are sure to please both kids and adults!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped finely
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the chopped broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and flour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture into the broccoli mixture and combine until well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but hold together when formed into a ball.
- Shape the mixture into balls using about 2 tablespoons per ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the balls with cooking spray for crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or marinara.
Notes
- These broccoli cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Uncooked broccoli cheese balls can be frozen; just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes