Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls (A Crispy, Cheesy Snack Packed with Veggies)
Crispy, cheesy broccoli bites baked to golden perfection, perfect as a wholesome snack, appetizer, or party finger food that’s both kid- and adult-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 balls (6–8 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed until tender-crisp, then finely chopped)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray, for greasing the sheet
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined; adjust texture with more egg or breadcrumbs as needed.
- Shape into small balls (1 to 1½ inches) and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm with desired dipping sauce.
Notes
Use frozen broccoli if thawed and drained well.
Panko coating adds extra crunch.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can be substituted.
Best served warm but can be eaten at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
