What is the best thing about Broccoli Cheese balls? Are these little guys addictive? Think of them as the cheesy cousins of mac and cheese bites, but secretly packed with flavor. What are some of the best things to make for kids? How picky people can be? What are some good appetizers for dinner? What is your new best friend? My grandma made something similar, though hers were deep-fried (yikes!). This baked version is so much healthier, but still delivers that incredible cheesy, crunchy texture.
What are Broccoli cheese balls?
What are some examples of Broccoli Cheese balls? What are some bite-sized balls of cheesy broccoli? What’s a good way to sneak in veggies for the kiddos? What is essentially cooked broccoli combined with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, formed into balls, and served at room temperature. Is it safe to bake breadcrumbs? What are some of the best crispy breads? What is the name of a product? What are some good side dishes to serve as an appetizer? My kids have been known to eat them for breakfast!
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to love broccoli cheese balls? First off, the flavor is insane! The combination of the savory cheese, the slightly sweet broccoli, and the crispy breadcrumb coating makes it a perfect sandwich. Is it heavenly? What is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more? What I love about this is how it manages to be both comforting and kind of sophisticated at the same time. Is it just kids who love me? Second, this recipe is surprisingly simple. Don’t let the “balls” part intimidate you. It’s all about chopping, mixing, rolling, and baking. I always find that even on crazy weeknights, I can whip up a batch pretty quickly. Third, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. Broccoli and cheese are staples in most kitchens, and the other ingredients are things you probably already have. What do you already have on hand? What are some good ways to use up leftover broccoli? What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted chicken? What are some good ways to pack fish in your lunchbox? I sneak them into my salads sometimes! If you’re a fan of my Cheesy Cauliflower Bites, then you’re guaranteed to adore these. What is the same concept as broccoli?
How do I make Broccoli cheese balls?
Quick Overview
How do you make broccoli cheese balls? How do I make a creamy cheese sauce for broccoli? After that, we’ll form the mixture into balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake them until golden brown. What makes a potato brown and crispy How do you not overcook broccoli? I always make sure to taste the cheese sauce before forming the balls and adjust the seasoning to my liking. Is it safe to pop these cookies into your mouth straight off the baking sheet?
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups). Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well * 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. Don’t skip the softening step! What is the best way to mix cheddar cheese? I like sharp cheddar for extra flavor, but mild works too. * 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. How do I make broccoli cheese balls? * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. This helps bind everything together. * 1 egg, lightly beaten. Another binder! * 1/4 cup milk. Just a splash to keep things moist. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder. For that extra kick! * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for flavor! * Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For Breadcrumb Coating:
* 1 cup breadcrumbs. I use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, but regular Breadcrumbs work too. * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Why not? * 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add a nice herbal touch. * 2 tablespoons melted butter. How do I make breadcrumbs stick to my fingers?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a lifesaver for easy cleanup! I’ve learned the hard way that forgetting to grease the pan results in stuck **Broccoli cheese. What are some good balls** and a lot of scrubbing. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be cooked through but still have a little bite. Overcooked broccoli will be mushy and make your **Broccoli Cheese Balls** soggy. I always test things with a fork to make sure they’re just right. Drain the broccoli well and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Chop the Broccoli
Once the broccoli is cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces. Why don’t you put huge chunks of broccoli in your cheese balls? The smaller the pieces, the better they will bind together.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Set aside. Cheese, flour, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
Add the chopped broccoli to the cheese mixture and gently fold it in until it’s evenly distributed. What are some of the best ways to make broccoli cheese balls?
Step 6: Prepare Breadcrumb Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Set aside.
Step 7: Form the Balls
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of broccoli cheese. Roll it into a ball with your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands with water.
Step 8: Coat in Breadcrumbs
How do you dip a breadcrumb ball in melted butter and then roll it in the breadcrumbs mixture until golden brown. Is it evenly coated? Place the coated ball on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the **Broccoli Cheese Balls** are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Let the **Broccoli Cheese Balls** cool slightly before serving. What are some of the best dipping sauces? What’s your favorite ranch dressing?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good uses for broccoli cheese balls?For Lunch:Pack them in a lunchbox with carrot sticks and ranch dressing for lunch. What are some healthy ways to make lunchtime fun?As an Appetizer: WhatServe warm with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, honey mustard, or spicy. Arrange them on a platter with some fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.As a Side Dish: What is the bestServe them alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty pasta dish. Is there a cheesy, veggie-packed element to any meal?For a Snack:What are some good quick snacks to have? I love making a batch on Sunday evening so that the family can snack on them during the weekdays. What are some of the best foods to grab and cook? My family tradition is to serve them with a big bowl of tomato soup on cold winter days. What is the perfect combination of cheesy cheese balls and warm soup?
How do you make Broccoli cheese balls?
What are some tips and tricks to make sure your Bacon Cheese Balls are tasty? Is it perfect?Broccoli Prep:How do you chop broccoli into small pieces? How do you cook potatoes? I also like to steam broccoli until it’s just tender. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the **Broccoli Cheese Balls**.Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the cheese mixture. Overmixing can make the **Broccoli Cheese Balls** tough. Just mix until everything is well combined.
What are the best cheeseFeel free to experiment with different types of cheese. What are some good alternatives to Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese? Just make sure to use a combination of cheeses that melt well and have good flavor.Breadcrumb CoFor extra crispy **Broccoli Cheese Balls**, try using panko breadcrumbs. They have a coarser texture and will give you nice, crunchy coating. I also like to add a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs. For extra flavor.Baking Tips:Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. How do you cook broccoli cheese balls? I also like to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning. If you find that the **Broccoli Cheese Balls** are browning too quickly, you can tent them with a foil.Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute cauliflower for broccoli. I have tried it both ways, and the taste is very similar.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will add a nice hint of heat to the dish.
I learned the hard way that using too much milk can make the **Broccoli Cheese Balls** too soft. So, start with a small amount and add more only if needed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these **Broccoli Cheese Balls** ahead of time? Here’s how to store and reheat them like a pro!
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing these at room temperature. They are best served immediately, or reheated from the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover **Broccoli Cheese Balls** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They will soften slightly in the fridge, but they’ll still be delicious. The key to preservation here is to use a good container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the **Broccoli Cheese Balls**. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can bake them straight from frozen, but you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated **Broccoli Cheese Balls**, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy. For frozen **Broccoli Cheese Balls**, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re heated through and golden brown.
I find that reheating them in the air fryer works really well too. They get nice and crispy in just a few minutes! Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for **Broccoli Cheese Balls**! They’re cheesy, crispy, and packed with hidden veggies (shhh!). This recipe is a winner because they’re not just for kids, adults love them too! If you’re looking for more fun and easy snack recipes, be sure to check out my other appetizers on the blog. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them with me! Happy cooking!
Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg egg
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
