Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful snack or side dish that brings the goodness of vegetables together with cheesy flavor. They’re golden, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor on the inside. Perfect for both kids and adults, these bite-sized treats can be served as an appetizer, a fun addition to lunch, or as a side dish at dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor. They are easy to prepare, require simple ingredients, and are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option. Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them in various ways, dipping them in sauces or serving them alongside your favorite meal.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls is straightforward. With just a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful snack that everyone will love. Here’s how to whip them up in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli) (Note 1)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby or Tasty cheese are my usual)
- 2 shallots / scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste, depends on fat % of yoghurt used)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/390F (all oven types).
- Line a tray with baking or parchment paper. (Note 2)
- In a large bowl, place all ingredients (except oil spray). Mix well to combine, mashing up the broccoli as you mix.
- Scoop out a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and press it firmly together. Roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the ball onto the prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture, which should yield 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray the balls lightly with olive oil, then bake for about 25 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden on the surface.
- For the sauce, mix the yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic together. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls can be served warm. They are delicious on their own but are even better with a dipping sauce. The Lemon Yoghurt Sauce pairs wonderfully, or you can serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Store Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), simply place the cooled broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 180C/350F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Tips to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Make sure to drain the cooked broccoli well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer texture inside the balls.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Feel free to add herbs or spices that you enjoy!
Variation
You can customize these cheese balls by adding other ingredients like cooked shredded chicken, spinach, or different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Arrange the uncooked balls on a tray and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake them, you can cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What kind of cheese is best to use?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice because of its rich flavor, but you can use any cheese you like such as Colby or a mix of cheeses for added taste.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! To make these vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg substitute, and use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls! Whether as a healthy snack or part of a meal, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 pieces eggs
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby or Tasty)
- 2 pieces shallots / scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Ingredients
- ⅔ cup plain yoghurt
- ½ piece zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ clove garlic, minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200C/390F.
- Line a tray with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, place all ingredients (except oil spray). Mix well to combine, mashing up the broccoli as you mix.
- Scoop out a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and press it firmly together. Roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the ball onto the prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture, which should yield 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray the balls lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden on the surface.
Making the Sauce
- Mix the yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic together. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
