Baked Broccoli and Cheese Balls (Printable)

Golden, crispy broccoli cheddar bites that are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
02 - Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and finely chop.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
04 - Add garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined and mixture holds together.
05 - Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture and shape into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
06 - Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil.
07 - Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They deliver all the comfort of cheesy appetizers while sneaking in a full serving of vegetables
  • The baked version means you can skip the mess of frying without sacrificing that golden crunch
  • These freeze beautifully before baking so you can always have homemade appetizers ready for unexpected guests
02 -
  • Excess moisture from the broccoli is the number one reason these balls fall apart so squeeze the steamed florets well or pat them dry
  • The mixture should hold together when you press it but if it feels too wet to shape add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs
  • Letting them rest on the baking sheet for those few minutes after baking is crucial for structural integrity
03 -
  • Roll the shaped balls in extra breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crispy crust that really elevates the texture
  • Grating your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded makes a noticeable difference in how well the mixture holds together

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