Description
Cheesy broccoli balls combine crispy exterior with creamy interior, offering a delightful appetizer. Garden-fresh ingredients and simple techniques help home cooks craft these irresistible bites you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Submerge broccoli in rapidly boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking process.
- Thoroughly drain broccoli and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Finely chop the blanched broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even texture.
- Combine chopped broccoli with cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Gently fold ingredients together until well incorporated, ensuring balanced distribution of flavors.
- Using clean hands, roll the mixture into compact, golf ball-sized spheres, applying consistent pressure to help them hold shape.
- Arrange broccoli cheese balls on prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each to promote even browning.
- Slide baking sheet into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from oven when balls are crispy and heated through, with a delectable golden crust.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving alongside your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Boost flavor by using aged sharp cheddar for more intense cheese taste.
- Ensure broccoli is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy balls that won’t crisp properly.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to enhance overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg