Let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: baked broccoli cheese balls! These little gems are not only packed with flavor but also come with a heap of health benefits. Seriously, who knew something so delicious could be good for you? The combination of vibrant broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese is just heavenly, and trust me, they disappear in no time when I serve them at gatherings. I remember the first time I made them for a potluck; everyone was raving about them! What I love most is that they’re a fun way to sneak in those greens, and they’re baked, so you get all the crunchy goodness without the extra oil. You’ll want to whip up this baked broccoli cheese balls recipe again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious baked broccoli cheese balls:
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh is best for that vibrant flavor!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for that cheesy punch)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I like to use whole wheat for added texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (this adds a nice salty kick)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (for a bit of sweetness and crunch)
- 1 egg (to help everything stick together)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
Make sure to prep everything before you start mixing—I promise it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get those delicious baked broccoli cheese balls ready! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to do this ahead of time so your balls bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It might look like a lot, but trust me, it all comes together beautifully! Mix everything until it’s well combined. I like to use my hands for this—just dive in and get messy!
Next, you’ll want to form the mixture into small balls. I usually aim for about a tablespoon’s worth of mixture for each ball; they should be small enough to pop into your mouth. Once you’ve shaped them all, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this helps with sticking, and cleanup is a breeze!
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and the cheese is all melty and gooey. Ooh, the smell wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps them firm up a bit. Enjoy every bite of your homemade goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier than fried snacks, with a delightful crunch from baking.
- Loaded with cheesy goodness and packed with nutritious broccoli.
- Fun for all ages—kids love them, and they’re a great way to sneak in veggies!
- Versatile—great as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish.
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked broccoli cheese balls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure to chop the broccoli into small, uniform pieces—this helps them cook evenly and makes for great texture. If you want an extra cheesy flavor, feel free to mix in some extra cheddar or even a different cheese like mozzarella. When forming the balls, don’t be afraid to really pack the mixture together; this ensures they hold their shape while baking. Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven—every oven is different, so check for that lovely golden color around the 20-minute mark! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about these baked broccoli cheese balls is how adaptable they are! Feel free to switch up the veggies—try adding in some finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even shredded carrots for a pop of color and flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses; pepper jack adds a nice kick, while feta brings a tangy twist. Want to spice things up? A dash of red pepper flakes or some Italian seasoning can elevate the taste. The possibilities are endless, so have fun mixing and matching until you find your perfect combo!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this baked broccoli cheese balls recipe, perfect for keeping track of your healthy eating! Each serving, which is about two balls, contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
These values may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of the wholesome goodness packed into these tasty bites!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before chopping it. This helps avoid excess moisture in your baked broccoli cheese balls.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your baked broccoli cheese balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just pop them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be ready for a quick snack later!
What dipping sauces pair well with these balls?
I love serving them with a tangy ranch or a zesty marinara sauce. You could also try a creamy garlic dip or just a simple squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch!
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance, form the balls, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties or busy weeknights.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use crushed crackers or even oats as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked broccoli cheese balls is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You could also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but they might lose a bit of that delightful crunch. Enjoy your tasty bites any time!
Serving Suggestions
These baked broccoli cheese balls are perfect for pairing with a variety of dipping sauces! My favorites are a creamy ranch dressing or a zesty marinara sauce—both add a delightful flavor contrast. If you want something a little different, try serving them with a tangy yogurt-based dip or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick! They also make a fantastic side dish alongside a fresh salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for more!
Z nadrukami
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 balls 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A tasty and healthy baked broccoli cheese balls recipe.
Składniki
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Uwagi
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can add other vegetables if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 2 balls
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: baked broccoli cheese balls recipe
