Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
There’s something utterly magical about Broccoli Cheese Balls: crisp and golden on the outside, delightfully cheesy in the middle, and packed with savory broccoli flavor that just can’t be beat. Whether you’re aiming for a fun party appetizer, an easy snack, or a way to encourage more veggies in everyone’s life, these irresistible morsels are a true treat. With a crunchy bite that gives way to melty cheese and garlicky goodness, Broccoli Cheese Balls strike that perfect balance between comfort food and simple joy — and trust me, one batch never lasts long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables join forces to create these wonderful Broccoli Cheese Balls. Each ingredient brings something special, from creamy richness to savory punch, and together they give you seriously crave-worthy results.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Steamed and chopped, broccoli delivers a bright, slightly earthy flavor while providing loads of nutrients and a satisfying bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, melty cheddar is essential for gooey centers and that unmistakable cheesy pull.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder while also ensuring your cheese balls are sturdy with just the right crunch — panko makes them extra crispy!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty depth and a bit of nutty, savory oomph to the mix.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together so your Broccoli Cheese Balls hold their shape perfectly while cooking.
- Minced Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in boosting the overall flavor, giving every bite a gentle punch.
- Salt: Brings out the best in every ingredient and balances the cheese’s richness.
- Black Pepper: Lends a subtle heat and rounds out the savory flavors.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A hint of herbs brings a lovely aroma and that classic touch that perfectly complements the cheese and broccoli.
- Olive Oil (for frying or baking): Ensures golden, crispy exteriors whether you fry or bake your balls — and keeps them tasting fresh, never greasy.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Start by steaming your fresh broccoli florets until just tender — you want them vibrant green and cooked through, but not mushy. After steaming, let the broccoli cool for a few minutes, then chop it finely. The small, even pieces help them blend more smoothly with the cheese and other fillings, making every Broccoli Cheese Ball taste harmonious.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a fork or your clean hands to make sure everything is distributed evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then pour them in, mixing until the whole mixture holds together like a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Scoop about a tablespoonful of the broccoli-cheese mixture into your hands and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all of the mixture is used, spacing the balls out evenly so they don’t stick together while cooking. This is a great step to get kids involved — the more hands, the merrier!
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
Here’s where you can decide if you want extra-crispy Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls or a slightly lighter, oven-baked version. For frying, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently add the balls in batches, turning to brown them evenly on all sides — about 3 to 4 minutes total. For baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway. They’ll be golden and gorgeous either way!
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once all your Broccoli Cheese Balls are crisp and perfectly cooked, let them rest for about 2 minutes (if you can wait that long). Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces — ranch, marinara, or a zesty aioli are all great options. Gather your friends and family, and dive in!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives across a platter of Broccoli Cheese Balls adds vibrant color and a pop of herby freshness. For a fancier touch, shave a bit more Parmesan on top or serve them with lemon wedges for a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
These Broccoli Cheese Balls play beautifully alongside crunchy crudités, a fresh green salad, or even a big bowl of soup as a cozy dipper. They’re also wonderful on a party spread paired with sliders, veggie trays, or a variety of colorful sauces for chef-level flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the cheese balls on toothpicks for an easy finger-food appetizer, or stack them artfully on a platter around a bowl of dipping sauce. For party fun, serve different sauces in shot glasses and let guests dip away — each Broccoli Cheese Ball disappears faster than the next!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Extra Broccoli Cheese Balls keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay delicious and retain most of their crispness, especially if you let them cool fully before sealing, so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Broccoli Cheese Balls freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. That way, you can take out just what you need for a quick snack or party platter.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your cheese balls back in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until piping hot and re-crisped. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to steam or microwave the frozen broccoli, drain it well, and chop it finely before using. This ensures your Broccoli Cheese Balls won’t be watery and hold together beautifully.
What are the best dipping sauces for Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Classic ranch, marinara sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli all work famously with these. For something a bit different, try a tangy yogurt dip or spicy sriracha mayo to give the cheese balls a flavorful twist.
Are Broccoli Cheese Balls gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses breadcrumbs, but you can easily swap in gluten-free panko or seasoned gluten-free crumbs if needed. The result is just as tasty and satisfying for everyone around your table!
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prep and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry or bake them fresh for best texture and flavor.
How can I add more flavor or variety?
Feel free to toss in cooked, crumbled bacon, a bit of chopped sun-dried tomato, extra herbs like parsley or dill, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Broccoli Cheese Balls are endlessly customizable!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing bite with simple ingredients and plenty of personality, Broccoli Cheese Balls are your answer. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and I promise they’ll disappear as soon as they hit the table. Give them a try — your next appetizer just got a whole lot better!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- olive oil for frying or baking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- For frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the cheese balls until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- For baking, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the balls on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- You can add cooked crumbled bacon or chopped herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- These make a great appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cheese balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
