Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or healthy side!

⏱️ Time & Yield

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Yield: ~18–20 balls

🛒 Ingredients

2 cups broccoli, finely chopped & lightly steamed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Oil spray (optional, for crispiness)

🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Broccoli

Steam broccoli until just tender (3–4 minutes).
Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture using a towel. Finely chop.

2️⃣ Mix Everything

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.

3️⃣ Shape

Roll into balls about 1–1.5 inches wide.
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

4️⃣ Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Lightly spray balls with oil.
Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per 3 balls)

Calories: ~150 kcal
Protein: ~7 g
Fat: ~10 g
Carbohydrates: ~8 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~2 g

✔ Vegetarian
✔ Kid-friendly
✔ Can be low-carb / keto
✔ Great make-ahead snack

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Dip in garlic yogurt sauce, ranch, or marinara
Add to lunchboxes or snack boards
Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad
Tuck into wraps or bowls for extra crunch

🌟 Tips for Best Results

Dry broccoli well to avoid soggy balls
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
For extra crunch, brush lightly with olive oil before baking

🔄 Variations

Low-carb / Keto: Use almond flour
Spicy: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños
Extra protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or turkey
Air-fryer: Cook at 190°C / 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway
Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese + flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2½ tbsp water)

Q & A

Q1: Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze unbaked.

Q2: How do I reheat them?
Reheat in oven or air-fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Q3: Why did mine fall apart?
Too much moisture. Squeeze broccoli well or add 1–2 tbsp extra breadcrumbs.

Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—thaw completely and squeeze out all water.

Q5: Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze baked balls up to 2 months; reheat straight from frozen.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.