Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs (for binding)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Other
- cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly, then finely chop the broccoli for the mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Cheese Balls: Take small portions of the broccoli mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands. Place each ball onto a baking sheet that has been greased with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm, ideally paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli just until tender-crisp helps retain a pleasant texture and vibrant color.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
- These cheese balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- To make them extra crispy, consider rolling the balls in extra breadcrumbs before baking.
- Serve with your preferred dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian