Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy interior packed with nutritious broccoli - sounds irresistible, right? These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are about to become your new obsession, transforming a humble vegetable into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone begging for the recipe. Perfect for game days, party snacks, or even a sneaky way to get kids to eat their vegetables, these cheese balls are a culinary magic trick you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli by steaming fresh florets until tender but still bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely.
- Finely chop the cooled steamed broccoli into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife. Ensure the broccoli is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix ingredients thoroughly until they bind together.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into small, compact balls approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Press firmly to ensure they hold together.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Remove from oven when the balls are golden brown and crispy on the exterior. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish, optionally with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly drain and cool your steamed broccoli to prevent soggy balls.
- Use a sharp knife to chop broccoli into very fine, uniform pieces for the best texture and binding.
- Press the mixture firmly when forming balls to ensure they hold together during baking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each ball space for even browning and crispiness.
- For extra crunch, consider rolling the balls in additional breadcrumbs before baking.
- Use a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
