Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite snack recipes today: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls. These little gems are bursting with cheesy goodness, packed with nutritious broccoli, and baked to golden perfection—not fried! I’m so excited for you to try them, and if you’d like more delicious recipes like this one delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe to our email list. You won’t want to miss a bite!

What Are Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are tender, savory bites made from finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and a blend of simple seasonings. They’re oven-baked, making them a healthier option than traditional fried appetizers, but trust me—there’s no sacrificing flavor here!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

There are so many reasons these cheesy broccoli balls will steal your heart:

Healthier indulgence: All the cheesy, crispy satisfaction you crave—without deep frying!
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters fall for these tasty green bites!
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a meatless side dish.
Prep ahead: These freeze beautifully for quick snacks anytime!

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

What Do Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Taste Like?

Imagine the cozy warmth of your favorite broccoli cheese casserole, but rolled into perfectly snackable, crispy little bites! They’re cheesy, hearty, and savory with a tender inside and a lightly crispy outside. The broccoli flavor is there but mellowed by all the cheesy goodness—it’s truly a match made in comfort food heaven!

Benefits of Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Boost of veggies: A fun way to sneak in more greens.
Easy ingredients: You probably already have everything you need.
Quick bake time: Done in under 30 minutes!
Low mess: No oily kitchen aftermath.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 cups finely chopped broccoli (fresh or thawed from frozen)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus a little extra for coating)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (for baking)

Necessary Tools for Preparation

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or small cookie scoop

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

I love how customizable these are! Some ideas:

Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different vibes.
Breadcrumbs: Panko makes them extra crispy.
Add-ins: Chopped cooked bacon, green onions, or red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls (Step-by-Step)

Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil.
Blanch broccoli (if using fresh): Boil broccoli florets for 2 minutes, then drain and chop finely.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Form balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. If it’s sticky, lightly wet your hands!
Coat lightly: Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs for extra crunch, if desired.
Bake: Arrange balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray tops with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving so they firm up beautifully!

The smell when these are baking is incredible!! I’m kicking myself for not having shot it!

What to Serve with Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

These are pretty fabulous on their own, but you can level them up with:

Ranch dressing
Honey mustard sauce
Marinara sauce
Spicy aioli

They also make a stellar sidekick to soups and salads—anything but boring!!

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheese Balls

Dry broccoli is key: Excess water can make the mixture soggy.
Chop finely: The smaller the broccoli bits, the easier they hold together.
Don’t overbake: You want them golden, not dried out!
Let them cool slightly: They’ll firm up and be easier to handle.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Arrange unbaked balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time!

Perfect for meal prep days when you need a quick snack!

General Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 20 balls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat it dry really well before chopping.

Can I air fry them instead?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Are these keto-friendly?

With a few swaps (almond flour for flour and low-carb breadcrumbs), you can easily make them keto!

What if the mixture is too wet?

Add a little extra flour or breadcrumbs until it holds its shape nicely.

Conclusion

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are everything you love about comfort food—easy, cheesy, and totally satisfying—but with a wholesome twist! Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun veggie-packed snack, or a creative side dish, these little bites have got your back.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out my other cheesy vegetable favorites, like my Cheesy Cauliflower Bites or Zucchini Parmesan Crisps. Pure cheesy bliss!!

I would absolutely love if you left a review after trying this recipe and shared your creations with us on Pinterest! Tag your photos so I can see and celebrate your kitchen wins!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 80
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g