š„¦ Cheesy, Crispy Baked Broccoli Balls: Your New Go-To Snack!
Letās be realāfinding snacks that areĀ bothĀ tasty and kinda healthy? Itās like searching for a needle in a haystackā¦ until now! These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are here to save your snack time, your appetizer spread, and even your kidās lunchbox (yes, picky eaters included! š).
Crispy on the outside, oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside, and packed with veggies? They check every box. Whether youāre hosting a game night, need a quick lunch side, or just crave something savory, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Letās dive in!
š What Youāll Need (Serves 24 Balls!)
No fancy ingredients hereājust stuff you probably already have in your fridge/pantry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (finely choppedāfresh is best, but frozen works too! āļø)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (keep it simple with plain or upgrade to panko for extra crunch!)
- 1 Ā½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (the more melty, the better š§)
- ā cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds that fancy, salty kick)
- 1 large egg (binds everything togetherāvegan swap below!)
- Ā½ tsp garlic powder (hello, flavor boost!)
- Salt + pepper (to tasteādonāt skip this!)
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil (for that golden crisp)
š©š³ How to Make Them (30 Mins Total!)
This recipe is so easy, even a beginner can nail it. Letās go step by step:
- Preheat & Prep: Turn your oven to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray/brush it lightly with oilāno stuck balls here! āØ
- Cook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes (just until slightly tenderādonāt overcook! You want a little crunch). Drain well, then chop finely.
- Mix the Goodness: In a big bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything sticks togetherāif itās too crumbly, add a tiny splash of milk (dairy or plant-based!).
- Roll āEm Up: Scoop 1 tbsp of the mixture at a time and roll into little balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on the baking sheetāleave a little space between each.
- Bake to Perfection: Spray/brush the balls with a little more oil, then pop them in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Wait until theyāre golden and crispy on the outsideāyour kitchen will smellĀ amazingĀ š.
- Serve Warm: Grab your favorite dipping sauce (ideas below!) and dig in. These are best fresh, but leftovers are still delicious (trust us).
Pairing Ideas (Elevate the Flavor!)
These balls are great on their own, but a good dip takes them to the next level. Try these combos:
- Ranch dressing (classic, never fails! š„)
- Marinara sauce (like mini pizza ballsāyum!)
- Honey mustard (sweet + tangy = perfection)
- Spicy sriracha mayo (for the heat lovers š¶ļø)
Want to make a meal out of it? Serve them with:
- A fresh green salad (balance out the cheese!)
- Roasted chicken or steak (great side dish)
- Pasta (toss with a little marinara for a fun twist)
š§ Parent Win: Get Kids to Eat Veggies!
If youāve got a picky eater at home, these balls are your secret weapon. The cheese hides the broccoli so well, theyāll be asking for āmore cheesy ballsā before they realize theyāre eating veggies. Pack them in lunchboxes, serve them as a after-school snack, or add them to a kidās party platterātheyāll disappear in minutes! š
ā FAQs (Weāve Got You Covered!)
- Can I use frozen broccoli?Ā Yes! Just thaw it completely and squeeze outĀ allĀ the extra water (soggy balls = no fun).
- Vegan-friendly?Ā Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) and use dairy-free cheddar/Parmesan.
- Make ahead?Ā Absolutely! Prep the balls up to 2 days in advance (chill in the fridge) or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from frozen (add 2-3 mins to cook time).
- Reheat leftovers?Ā Pop them in a 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) oven for 10-12 mins, or air fry for 3-4 minsācrispiness restored!
Final Thought:
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the ultimate āhealthy indulgence.ā Theyāre easy, cheap, and loved by both kids and adults. What more could you ask for? š
Give this recipe a try this week, and tag us in your photosāweād love to see your cheesy, crispy creations! Happy baking! š„¦š§