Description
Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack combining tender broccoli florets with a blend of melty cheeses, coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for guilt-free snacking, parties, or lunchboxes, these cheesy bites offer a satisfying crunch with a creamy, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly and pat dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Mix the Ingredients: Once broccoli is cooled, finely chop it and combine with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until the mixture is sticky and cohesive enough to shape.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized rounds. Ensure the balls are compact to hold their shape during baking.
- Coat for Crunch: Roll each ball in additional panko breadcrumbs to create an extra crunchy outer layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Place balls on a lined baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Dry your broccoli thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can cause soggy cheese balls.
- Use a blend of cheeses for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Chill shaped balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg