Baked Broccoli and Cheese Balls (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy broccoli cheddar bites that are perfectly cheesy inside. A simple vegetarian appetizer ready in 45 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ 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

→ To Finish

12 - Olive oil spray

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
02 - Steam broccoli florets until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and chop finely.
03 - In large mixing bowl, mix chopped broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and breadcrumbs until evenly distributed.
04 - Add garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until mixture binds together.
05 - Scoop approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture and shape into ball. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
06 - Lightly coat tops of balls with olive oil spray.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until exterior becomes golden brown and crisp.
08 - Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Accompany with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These crispy little bites have that satisfying crunch on the outside with the most incredible gooey cheese center that makes them impossible to stop eating
  • They are secretly packed with broccoli but taste so indulgent that even the most stubborn vegetable skeptics will be asking for seconds
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that squeezing excess water from the steamed broccoli is the difference between balls that hold together and ones that fall apart in the oven
  • If your mixture feels too crumbly, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs, but if it is too wet, mix in another egg
03 -
  • Rolling the shaped balls in extra breadcrumbs before baking gives them this restaurant-quality crunch that everyone always comments on
  • Letting the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping makes the balls hold together much better and gives the flavors time to meld

Go Back