Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Looking for a sneaky way to get your veggies in? Or maybe just a fun and delicious appetizer that everyone will love? These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the answer! Imagine tender, cheesy balls packed with broccoli, baked to golden-brown perfection, and served with a zesty lemon yogurt sauce. Trust me, even the broccoli skeptics will be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Sneaky Veggies, A delicious way to get your daily dose of broccoli.
• Kid-Friendly, Even picky eaters will love these cheesy bites.
• Easy to Make, Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze.
• Perfect Appetizer or Snack, Great for parties, potlucks, or a quick and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• Cooked Broccoli, The star of the show! Make sure it’s cooked until tender and well-drained.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Adds a light and crispy texture.
• Eggs, Binds the ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheese, Cheddar, Colby, or your favorite melty cheese.
• Shallots/Scallions, Adds a mild onion flavor.
• Garlic, Adds a savory kick.
• Salt and Pepper, Enhances the flavors.
• Plain Yogurt, The base of our tangy sauce.
• Lemon, Zest and juice for a bright and zesty flavor.
• Olive Oil, Adds richness to the sauce.

Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Prep: Preheat oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine: Mix all ingredients (except oil spray) in a bowl, mashing the broccoli as you go.
3. Form: Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture, form into a ball, and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Spray with oil and bake until golden brown and slightly crisp.
5. Serve: Serve with Lemon Yogurt Sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain the Broccoli Well, Excess moisture will make the balls soggy.
• Don’t Overmix, Mix until just combined to keep the balls tender.
• Get Creative with Cheese, Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
• Make Ahead, Form the balls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How to Serve

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are delicious served:

• With Lemon Yogurt Sauce, The perfect tangy complement.
• As an Appetizer, Great for parties or gatherings.
• As a Snack, A healthy and satisfying snack option.
• With a Side Salad, For a light and balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Perfect for quick snacks, lunchboxes, or an easy side the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked cheese balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them straight from frozen, no thawing needed.

Reheating

For a crispy finish, reheat the balls in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 5 to 8 minutes. If you’re short on time, use the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, though the texture will be softer. The oven is best if you want that perfect golden crust again.

FAQs : Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Too much water will make the cheese balls soggy and harder to shape.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will still be amazing, and you’ll get that same crispy outside and cheesy inside.

3. What other vegetables can I add?
You can totally customize these! Try finely diced carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach. Just make sure to cook and drain any watery veggies so they don’t affect the consistency.

4. Can I make the lemon yogurt sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Before serving, give it a quick stir to refresh the flavors, it’ll be even better after resting!

Looking for more than just a side dish? These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect solution! Whether you’re searching for easy appetizer recipes to impress your guests or healthy snack ideas to satisfy those afternoon cravings, these cheesy broccoli bites are a guaranteed hit. They’re also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters, making them a win-win for everyone!

From their easy preparation to their delicious flavor and versatility, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a total winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these cheesy, veggie-packed delights. And be sure to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those times when you need a little veggie inspiration!