Description

These crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside baked broccoli cheese balls are the perfect healthy snack or appetizer. Packed with nutritious broccoli and gooey cheese, they’re baked—not fried—for a guilt-free treat that’s kid-friendly and party-perfect.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 1/2 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Steam or boil broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and chop finely or pulse in food processor.
In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet with space between each ball.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Don’t overcook the broccoli—tender but still bright green is perfect. If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk. These can be frozen after baking for up to 2 months. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
Calories: 45
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: baked broccoli cheese balls, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer, kid-friendly, party food