If you’re on the hunt for a healthier, crave-worthy snack or appetizer, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls deliver the perfect combo of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a party, or just looking for a delicious way to eat more veggies, these cheesy bites check all the boxes. Even picky eaters will go back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Baked—not fried—for a healthier snack
- Packed with fiber, vitamins, and cheesy goodness
- Easy to customize to fit your dietary preferences
- Great for entertaining, snacking, or meal prep
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for greasing the baking sheet
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
2. Steam the broccoli: Cook broccoli florets in a steamer for about 5 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly and chop finely.
3. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a sticky, uniform mixture forms.
4. Form the balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Cool slightly and serve: Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Health Benefits of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse—loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that help boost immunity and digestion. By baking instead of frying, these broccoli cheese balls keep the fat content lower while still achieving that craveable crispiness.
Plus, with the inclusion of cheese, you also get calcium and protein, making these bites a well-balanced and satisfying option for both kids and adults.
Serving Ideas
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile. Try them:
- As a party appetizer with dips like ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo
- Packed into lunchboxes for a fun veggie boost
- Alongside soups or salads for a light meal
- With a side of quinoa, brown rice, or grilled chicken for dinner
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Once baked and cooled, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
- Reheat: Pop in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Easy Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheeses and vegan cream cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Parmesan Crusted Cod – A High Protein Dinner Delight
- Split Pea Soup – A Cozy Quick Dinner
- German Potato Soup (Easy & Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe)
Final Thoughts
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up flavor. With their crispy exterior and cheesy veggie-packed center, they offer the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. So whether you’re prepping for a party, packing lunchboxes, or just looking for something wholesome and satisfying, these broccoli cheese balls are bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Steam the broccoli: Cook broccoli florets in a steamer for about 5 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly and chop finely.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a sticky, uniform mixture forms.
- Form the balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Once baked and cooled, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
- Reheat: Pop in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
