Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect crispy, cheesy bite-sized snack that combines tender broccoli with gooey melted cheese and a crunchy golden coating. These savory treats are a healthier twist on traditional fried cheese balls, packed with flavor and baked to perfection.
I first made these when I was looking for a fun way to get more veggies into my meals, and they were an instant hit! The combination of roasted broccoli and melted cheese creates a deliciously satisfying texture, while baking keeps them light and guilt-free. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make—just mix, roll, and bake for a wholesome snack or side dish.
What’s great about Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls is their versatility. Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard, or enjoy them as a tasty appetizer, lunchbox addition, or party snack. Whether you’re a broccoli lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy veggies, these cheesy bites are sure to be a favorite!
Perfect for:
- Appetizers and snacks
- Party platters
- Kid-friendly meals
- Game day treats
- Cheese and veggie lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls will become a go-to favorite:
- Crispy Yet Healthy: Baked instead of fried, offering a crunchy texture with less oil.
- Cheesy and Flavorful: Melted cheese oozes from the center for an irresistible bite.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: Ideal for snacking, serving at parties, or packing in lunchboxes.
- Vegetable-Packed: A great way to sneak in veggies without compromising on taste.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters will love these cheesy bites!
- Customizable Fillings: Easily swap or add ingredients like beef bacon, different cheeses, or herbs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance and baked when needed.
- Great for Dipping: Pairs well with ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
- Low-Carb Option: Can be made with almond flour or keto-friendly breadcrumbs.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers and reheat for a quick snack anytime!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 20 cheese balls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 5g
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Coating:
- ½ cup additional breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
Ingredient Highlights
- Broccoli: A nutritious base packed with fiber and vitamins.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty cheesiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the savory, umami flavor.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Boosts the taste without overpowering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli Mixture:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam Broccoli: Lightly steam the chopped broccoli for 2-3 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Form Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
Coat and Bake:
- Prepare Coating: Dip each ball in the beaten egg, then roll in additional breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the cheese balls rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Pair with Dips: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
How to Serve
Here are 10 delicious ways to enjoy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- With a Side Salad: Turn them into a light meal with a fresh salad.
- For Kids’ Lunches: Pack them in lunchboxes as a fun and nutritious snack.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Add to a cheese and cracker platter for variety.
- In a Wrap or Pita: Stuff into a wrap with lettuce and sauce for a quick lunch.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup for a cozy combination.
- With Spicy Mayo: Drizzle with sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
- Topped with Extra Cheese: Melt more cheese on top for extra indulgence.
Additional Tips
- Drain Excess Moisture – After steaming or boiling the broccoli, squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy cheese balls.
- Chop Finely – Finely chopping the broccoli ensures even distribution throughout the mixture and helps the balls hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Cheese – Grating your own cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Add a Crispy Coating – For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the balls in breadcrumbs by dipping them in egg wash and coating again.
- Season Well – Broccoli can be mild, so don’t skimp on salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a dash of paprika for extra flavor.
- Chill Before Baking – Refrigerate the shaped balls for at least 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Use Parchment Paper – Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Turn for Even Crispiness – Flip the cheese balls halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Try Different Coatings – Experiment with panko, crushed crackers, or even Parmesan cheese for a unique crunch.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce – Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a delicious finishing touch.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a fiery twist.
- Beef Bacon & Cheddar – Mix in crispy, crumbled beef bacon and swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar for a smoky, bold flavor.
- Italian Herb – Add dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of garlic powder for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.
- Buffalo Style – Toss the baked balls in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Vegan Option – Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use flaxseed “egg” as a binder for a plant-based version.
- Crunchy Panko Crust – Coat the balls in panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan for extra crispiness.
- Spinach & Feta – Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta for a Greek-style variation.
- Mushroom & Swiss – Mix in finely diced mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese for a savory, umami-rich bite.
- Zesty Lemon & Herb – Incorporate lemon zest and fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.
- BBQ Ranch – Mix in a little BBQ sauce and dip in ranch dressing for a smoky, tangy combo.
Special Equipment
- Food Processor – For finely chopping the broccoli and blending ingredients evenly.
- Cheese Grater – To freshly grate cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining all the ingredients properly.
- Baking Sheet – To arrange and bake the broccoli cheese balls.
- Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cookie Scoop – For portioning uniform-sized balls.
- Wire Rack – To cool the baked balls evenly without trapping moisture.
- Silicone Baking Mat – As a reusable, non-stick alternative to parchment paper.
- Tongs – For flipping or transferring the cheese balls without breaking them.
- Pastry Brush – To lightly coat the balls with oil or butter for extra crispiness.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate them before baking or freeze them for later use. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. - How can I make them crispier?
Use panko breadcrumbs and bake on a wire rack for better airflow. - What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar works best, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Parmesan can be used too. - Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, deep-fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. - How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. Chill before baking if needed. - Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a binder. - What dips pair best?
Ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or spicy aioli are great choices. - Can I add meat?
Yes! Add crumbled beef bacon or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Conclusion
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—without the need for frying! These golden bites combine tender broccoli, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating for a snack or appetizer that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Customize them by using different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, adding a dash of spice for heat, or mixing in cooked quinoa for extra texture. Serve them with ranch, marinara, or a tangy mustard dip for the ultimate flavor boost.
I can’t wait to see how your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!